Won't come out of tight hide box for weeks

My Ball Python, Gregory, hasn't come out of his tight hide box (a dragon head with moss inside) for a few weeks now. I have to remove the entire dragon and put it in his feed box to feed him weekly. He does eat but just sticks his head out enough to eat the mouse and goes back inside. I can't force him out because it's a very tight fit. Has anyone had this issue before? I've had him for 6+ months and he has never done this before.

Any advice would be appreciated!

When my snake tucks up into her hide I end up stroking her under belly until she relaxes her muscles and then she almost falls out.

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Once you get it out, don't use that hide again. You should always have access to your snake. Use a hide with an open bottom.

Toss the dragon hide and get two identical dark hides your snake can't get stuck in, reptile basics is where I get mine from. Your snake needs to feel secure but also be safe, hiding the majority of the time is normal. You can offer food right in the cage as well, much less stressful. How long have you have your ball?

IMO it's time to remove the hide from around the snake. We had to do this a couple times to aquarium decor with tight spaces - we'd give the snake a day, unless they definitely seemed stuck, and if they hadn't come out (check in the middle of the night), it was taken apart.

Use heavy cutting pliers, go slowly, and nibble it open. Unless you're a medical professional with a cast saw, DO NOT use power tools.


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Oops, forgot to add, that Tanis the corn snake does have an artificial tree hide she reeeeeeally likes, but she comes out regularly, and my husband can remove her if she's being stubborn (I'm sure I could too if necessary, but am willing to skip the argument when she's being stubborn about coming out to be weighed [emoji3])


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There are some people who camps in their houses for week too lol. Nothing wrong with that