What is wrong with my baby?

I just got my ball python on Monday, and I fed him for the first time just earlier today. Ever since I fed him, he's been acting really lethargic, when he's normally really energetic. Is this just how snakes act when they're digesting their food?

Yes,
They usually take 24-48 hours to digest and they will usually hide during this time often on the hot side and should not be disturbed. Do not handle him for at least 24 hours after the meal.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

Yes,
They usually take 24-48 hours to digest and they will usually hide during this time often on the hot side and should not be disturbed. Do not handle him for at least 24 hours after the meal.

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Alright, thank you. I'll keep that in mind.

We usually give ours 48 after feeding before handling. If your ball is active, he might be stressed. A hiding ball is a happy ball. What is your set up like, and how old is the ball? If he continues to be "very" active, I would check husbandry. Make sure he has proper hides and temps. But as far as being lethargic goes, after ours eat we don't see them for a day or two, so totally normal. Welcome to bp, you can find tons of great info and help here. :)

Sounds normal, but just to make sure everything is ok what are the temperature and humidity levels in your snakes tank? How are you measuring these temps and what are your heat sources.

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

We usually give ours 48 after feeding before handling. If your ball is active, he might be stressed. A hiding ball is a happy ball. What is your set up like, and how old is the ball? If he continues to be "very" active, I would check husbandry. Make sure he has proper hides and temps. But as far as being lethargic goes, after ours eat we don't see them for a day or two, so totally normal. Welcome to bp, you can find tons of great info and help here. :)

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He has two hides, and proper temps. I've noticed that he likes to be out of his cage, he seems to be very curious. He'll wrap himself around my neck and just hang there, kind of hiding in my hair, but always keeping his head peeking out to look at his surroundings. He also likes to sleep with me outside of his tank. Whenever I put him back into the cage he'll stay out for about 10-15 minutes, possibly just basking, then he'll go into his hide for the rest of the time.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Sounds normal, but just to make sure everything is ok what are the temperature and humidity levels in your snakes tank? How are you measuring these temps and what are your heat sources.

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The temps and humidity level are normal, about 90 with his day lamp, and about 80 with his night lamp. Humidity is almost always a solid 50%

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Originally Posted by Rahne&Salazar

The temps and humidity level are normal, about 90 with his day lamp, and about 80 with his night lamp. Humidity is almost always a solid 50%

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Does he have a temperature gradient or is the whole tank 90?

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Originally Posted by KatStoverReptiles

Does he have a temperature gradient or is the whole tank 90?

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x2

And you shouldn't drop the temperature at night.

What are you using to measure your temperatures?

I'm using a thermostat that came with the tank, and I'm not dropping the temp, it goes down by itself. I have one blue light which is the daytime light, and one black light which is nighttime. They both came with the tank.

Both of those lights aren't the best. What you want is a 75 watt IR (red) bulb. You can use this light 24/7

This particular one is the best.

http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmar...3&lmdn=Reptile

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rahne&Salazar

I'm using a thermostat that came with the tank, and I'm not dropping the temp, it goes down by itself. I have one blue light which is the daytime light, and one black light which is nighttime. They both came with the tank.

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Any kind of thermometer that comes with a "snake kit" or tank is highly inaccurate. I'd look through the forums for a bit and read about some new people's problems with husbandry and how to fix them. Like other's said, ball pythons being "energetic" is not a good sign, especially during the day. And when you say he loves to be out, if he's roaming the tank seemingly hoping you'll come take him out, that's not the case, he's looking for an escape route. A happy ball python is a hiding ball python. They should hide at least 80% of the time, and not just after meals.

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Any kind of thermometer that comes with a "snake kit" or tank is highly inaccurate. I'd look through the forums for a bit and read about some new people's problems with husbandry and how to fix them. Like other's said, ball pythons being "energetic" is not a good sign, especially during the day. And when you say he loves to be out, if he's roaming the tank seemingly hoping you'll come take him out, that's not the case, he's looking for an escape route. A happy ball python is a hiding ball python. They should hide at least 80% of the time, and not just after meals.

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x2

These thermometers cost $12 at Wall*Mart and work much better t thermometers and a hydrometer in one package.

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...nt/photo-3.jpg

Night drops are not needed unless breeding and even then there is some question if they are. Just hold the 90º hot spot and 80º cool ambient should be in the 78-84º range give or take.

I am not a fan of accurite, but they fine, just a bit of the over large side and pricey side, for the accuracy they deliver. The model most recommend is discontinued and availability will become an issue.