change in behavior

Hello all and thanks in advance for talking with me.

I have had my ball python for around 3 months or so now. Up until a little while ago I would usually see him in his water bowl or peeking out of his hide on the warm side. I discovered he may have mites so cleaned his entire tank and disinfected all with the special snake mite spray as well as applying some on him.

Since I have done this he has been in his hide 24/7 I have not seen him unless I open to look under his hide. Last I checked his eyes were starting to get milky looking like he may be going into his first shed while I have had him.

I am wondering if the mite spray may have caused this or if he is just going into his shed mode and that its ok that he is always in there and I should leave him alone for the most part.

My set up is 29gal long glass tank with rag towels over most of the screen that I periodically spray with water as well as a bit of spray in the tank. I also have 3 sides
covered in black construction paper. He has 2 hides, he only really ever uses his warm
side one. He has always ate F/T just fine for me and seems to be a good eater.

I use aspen bedding and have a water bowl in the middle and a hide on the cold and hot side as well as UTH under the hot side.

So my question is... Did he actually have mites, and what is the spray you put on him? Brand name?


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Originally Posted by Homegrownscales

So my question is... Did he actually have mites, and what is the spray you put on him? Brand name?


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

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I believe he did, he was always in his water bowl and the bottom of the water bowl had black specks in it when I would look to change it, I got him from petco before I knew that was bad(i've read a lot and know much better now). The spray is brand name I believe it is reptile relief natural chemistry is the brand. Thanks.

My BP is also going into shed mode and she has become very shy and isn't coming out of her shed, only to drink and cool down.

I'm no expert but I'd guess that this is normal.

A hiding BP is a happy BP, your snake has had some relief from the mites, and is comfy in it's hide. Unfortunately, you have not erradicated the mites, they will return once eggs begin to hatch.

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Originally Posted by llovelace

A hiding BP is a happy BP, your snake has had some relief from the mites, and is comfy in it's hide. Unfortunately, you have not erradicated the mites, they will return once eggs begin to hatch.

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This is very true. You really should invest in a can of Provent A Mite. This will help get rid of those pesky little buggers for good.

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Originally Posted by ballpythonluvr

This is very true. You really should invest in a can of Provent A Mite. This will help get rid of those pesky little buggers for good.

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Absolutely, this best way to get rid of them.

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Originally Posted by TheWinWizard

Absolutely, this best way to get rid of them.

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Thank you, is this something that must be purchased online or would some pet stores carry it?

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Originally Posted by cehmz

Thank you, is this something that must be purchased online or would some pet stores carry it?

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Read a bit more of the product a google search brings up people talking about this stuff killing their animals. Another thread says its ok if you follow the directions to a T.

I use PAM with every new animal. That means purchases and rescues. I follow the directions and I have never had a problem.
This product is only available online, and totally safe if used correctly.
Basically DONT spray it on The animal.
Nutshell directions:
Take out the water bowl and The animal
Use Aspen bedding or (of like material)
Spray bedding, entire cage, hides
Let dry for an hour or two
Replace bowl and animal
Repeat in 30 days.
Boom no mites.
The behavior you are seeing seems like normal, start od shedding behavior though as well.
Good luck!
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