suddenly temperamental ball python (who loves water...)

What kind of thermostat is it? And what exactly are you temps and humidity at? And lastly, could he be going into shed?

82 above his uth, and average 88-89 under his light. i THINK his humidity is 70, but i honestly don't remember. i would have to check when i get home. it might be 60.

The UTH and lamp are on opposite ends? What kind of thermostat are you using?

yes they are. and that's another thing i have to check when i get home. i got it at petsmart (before i knew you could get them at walmart too for cheaper...)

*Edit*

Oops! Just read your response....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kldoss89

yes they are. and that's another thing i have to check when i get home. i got it at petsmart (before i knew you could get them at walmart too for cheaper...)

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Now I'm thinking you're confusing thermoSTAT with thermometer. I've never seen them at walmart, but maybe they have them.

Balls need belly warmth much more than they need top-side warmth.The Warm spot (where his belly touches the bottom) should be around 90 and the cool end should be around 76-80 (+/-) with an ambient around 83-84. Thermostat probe should be right on top of the UTH and the temp probe should be right next to that. Humidity 50%-60% non-shed and I bump mine up to 70%+ only after they go clear during shed.

Thermometer = measures the temp, nothing else.
Thermostat = regulates heating source

I use the Accurite's from Wal-Mart. I place the probe directly over the heat mat (next to the thermostat probe in a glass enclosure. I currently use Animal Plastics enclosures for my established snakes and there is a thermostat probe channel cut out from the underside, but still place the thermometer probe directly over the flexwatt inside the enclosure) and the unit on the cool end. I hot glue the probe line to the floor of the enclosure (never use tape). The big number tells me the warm side and the unit measures the cool side along with general humidity.

no i definitely meant thermostat. i know there are thermometers at walmart, but someone on here said they had thermostats too. ive never seen them, but ive never looked.

i will check his heat and humidity with what you said, willie76

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could it be possible for him to be going through another shed so soon? 2 months max after his last one

It's entirely possible and would explain him being nippy. Did you notice if his eyes have clouded over?

Yes it is possible. My Balls are shedding about every 2 months like clock work! But then sometimes, out of the blue, when I get home after work and I open the door my wife hisses and strikes for no apparent reason. Scares the heck out of me, too! :D