scared about burrowing

hi guys i don’t know exactly what i’m looking for here maybe just some reassurance lol because i have read a lot of threads on here about people’s bps burrowing so it seems like a somewhat normal thing for bps to do but it really really freaks me out when mine does it. he’s four months old and i’ve only had him for a month, he has two hides and he stays there throughout the day but sometimes at night i see him partially under the substrate and i just am always really scared if he’s okay or not. i’ve been checking on him when he does this because it really spikes my anxiety just seeing him laying there not moving and i have to make sure he’s okay but i am aware this probably stresses him out but i just can’t handle it. do you guys just leave your bps when they are burrowing? i am trying to be more chill i just want to make sure my baby bp is okay.

I have a surname BC that does it. As long as you have adequate hides (make sure their not too big, or too small that the snake can’t fit in) and your temps/humidity is good, nothing to worry about.

Several things might make your snake want to burrow:

If using UTH heat & not enough is getting thru the substrate (like if it's too deep?) he may be seeking the warmer temperature underneath it. (check your cage temps.!)

If his hides are too big (don't offer "back pressure" to feel "secure"), he may be craving a more cozy feeling. (crumpled paper can make them more snug until he grows)

If you keep checking on him, I have a hunch he might be burrowing even more...for privacy & a sense of security. You really need to leave him alone...you wouldn't
want someone taking your blankets & waking you up all thru the night just "to check on you". Do relax & let him rest, even if he's burrowing. He's a snake, he knows
what he wants & needs.

thank you for your advice! i have the substrate in a thinner layer over the uth for that purpose and he hasn’t been burrowing on that side (more towards the middle) so i don’t think that is the reason. one of the hides he has i am not sure if it is too big or not. when he is really squished and coiled up he takes up about half the room but sometimes he stretches out more and utilizes the whole space so i thought it was okay but maybe not. he also spends the most time in that hide during the day. should that hide be smaller?

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Originally Posted by miatb

thank you for your advice! i have the substrate in a thinner layer over the uth for that purpose and he hasn’t been burrowing on that side (more towards the middle) so i don’t think that is the reason. one of the hides he has i am not sure if it is too big or not. when he is really squished and coiled up he takes up about half the room but sometimes he stretches out more and utilizes the whole space so i thought it was okay but maybe not. he also spends the most time in that hide during the day. should that hide be smaller?

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You might try taking up some of the space inside that hide with a crumpled paper towel or two, & see if he likes it better? He still may just prefer to burrow. ;)

Anyway, snakes are like people or other animals, in that we (& they) don't all like the exact same things, & when you pay close attention to your snake, you'll figure out
what his preferences are.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by miatb

hi guys i don’t know exactly what i’m looking for here maybe just some reassurance lol because i have read a lot of threads on here about people’s bps burrowing so it seems like a somewhat normal thing for bps to do but it really really freaks me out when mine does it. he’s four months old and i’ve only had him for a month, he has two hides and he stays there throughout the day but sometimes at night i see him partially under the substrate and i just am always really scared if he’s okay or not. i’ve been checking on him when he does this because it really spikes my anxiety just seeing him laying there not moving and i have to make sure he’s okay but i am aware this probably stresses him out but i just can’t handle it. do you guys just leave your bps when they are burrowing? i am trying to be more chill i just want to make sure my baby bp is okay.

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If you are worried about burrowing don't buy a boa.. Hahahaha.. I have some BP's that do it and others that don't.. Seems like you have got good advice from other replies and things that you should check. As far as a BP laying still I don't think any of us can help you there.. They aren't the most active serpents to say the least.. With them being nocturnal you will likely very rarely catch activity periods.. To close things out, nothing you have in the post would concern me personally as long as the husbandry is accurate..

Snakes burrow, don't sweat it. And if you're reaching in there checking every time your snake burrows you're gonna drive yourself and the snake crazy.

Try to just relax and let your snake be a snake. I promise you'll enjoy your pet more and your snake will appreciate it as well.