Active Out of Tank?

So my ball python is very active when he is out of his tank. Always moving around and checking everything out.

Im just wondering is that normal or a sign of stress?

"active" and "ball python" don't really go together. active usually means stressed. i'm assuming you haven't had the snake long, yeah? a new addition being stressed during handling is normal. he's probably just not used to you or being handled yet. give him some time and work with him, he'll mellow out.

It can be normal depending on the snake. My big girl kawaii will "play" for an hour or more now before resting. Meaning sneksploring and going to all of the places in the house she knows she hasn't been or shouldn't be. [emoji23]
She used to take naps every like 10-30 mins like the rest of the ball pythons. Now I have to wear her out before I get worn out.
**edit I should mention she needs exercise often and on days I don't get her out of her tank for playing on the "mom jungle gym" I've seen her spend 3 hours going from one side of her Viv to the other. Back and forth. Over and over. Until she wears herself out.
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My snake is active all the time when I get her out tolo, as long as he is eating normal, not losing weight, and does not have any other odd symptomes, I think he will be ok.

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Originally Posted by donnadudette2003

It can be normal depending on the snake. My big girl kawaii will "play" for an hour or more now before resting. Meaning sneksploring and going to all of the places in the house she knows she hasn't been or shouldn't be. [emoji23]
She used to take naps every like 10-30 mins like the rest of the ball pythons. Now I have to wear her out before I get worn out.
**edit I should mention she needs exercise often and on days I don't get her out of her tank for playing on the "mom jungle gym" I've seen her spend 3 hours going from one side of her Viv to the other. Back and forth. Over and over. Until she wears herself out.
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Why are you tiring your snake out or what makes you think she needs exercise often? You're talking as if she's a dog. This honestly sounds like you're going out of your way to stress your snake out and applying dog/cat characteristics to her.

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Originally Posted by donnadudette2003

It can be normal depending on the snake. My big girl kawaii will "play" for an hour or more now before resting. Meaning sneksploring and going to all of the places in the house she knows she hasn't been or shouldn't be. [emoji23]
She used to take naps every like 10-30 mins like the rest of the ball pythons. Now I have to wear her out before I get worn out.
**edit I should mention she needs exercise often and on days I don't get her out of her tank for playing on the "mom jungle gym" I've seen her spend 3 hours going from one side of her Viv to the other. Back and forth. Over and over. Until she wears herself out.
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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Why are you tiring your snake out or what makes you think she needs exercise often? You're talking as if she's a dog. This honestly sounds like you're going out of your way to stress your snake out and applying dog/cat characteristics to her.

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i kind of agree here; that seems odd. not trying to criticize you OP, just curious. the only time Yellow gets active out of his enclosure is when he's had enough and wants to go back. if he's ever overly active i put him back right away and let him be. i've never heard of "tiring a snake out."

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Why are you tiring your snake out or what makes you think she needs exercise often? You're talking as if she's a dog. This honestly sounds like you're going out of your way to stress your snake out and applying dog/cat characteristics to her.

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I tire her out because I don't want to chase her around. I let her out of the Viv because she is trying to get out. (Pushing on the top going from side to side to find the exit. Etc) It's like I like letting my pet be out and have a life. On top of needing to have one myself. I don't NEED to wear her out. I prefer to. If she wants to stay in the tank, I'll let her stay in the tank. If she wants to chill when she's outside of it, i'll let her chill. She chooses, I just help

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I should mention I have other ball pythons that are perfectly happy being snakes in a ball sleeping in a hide and that I don't think every ball will be active. I'm only saying that some balls are active, and we just need to learn to work with what they like.

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Originally Posted by donnadudette2003

I tire her out because I don't want to chase her around. I let her out of the Viv because she is trying to get out. (Pushing on the top going from side to side to find the exit. Etc) It's like I like letting my pet be out and have a life. On top of needing to have one myself. I don't NEED to wear her out. I prefer to. If she wants to stay in the tank, I'll let her stay in the tank. If she wants to chill when she's outside of it, i'll let her chill. She chooses, I just help

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I should mention I have other ball pythons that are perfectly happy being snakes in a ball sleeping in a hide and that I don't think every ball will be active. I'm only saying that some balls are active, and we just need to learn to work with what they like.

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...I'm sorry to say that's a clear cut sign your husbandry is off and the reason she's trying to escape is because she's stressed. Not because she wants to go for a walk in the park. Snakes do not = dogs.

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Originally Posted by donnadudette2003

I tire her out because I don't want to chase her around. I let her out of the Viv because she is trying to get out. (Pushing on the top going from side to side to find the exit. Etc) It's like I like letting my pet be out and have a life. On top of needing to have one myself. I don't NEED to wear her out. I prefer to. If she wants to stay in the tank, I'll let her stay in the tank. If she wants to chill when she's outside of it, i'll let her chill. She chooses, I just help

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I should mention I have other ball pythons that are perfectly happy being snakes in a ball sleeping in a hide and that I don't think every ball will be active. I'm only saying that some balls are active, and we just need to learn to work with what they like.

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that makes sense, though are you sure your husbandry is on point? Spaghetti likes to pace at night, but that's usually around feeding day. she's definitely more active than Yellow; i barely ever see him out.

also, sorry to the OG OP
:hijackd:

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

...I'm sorry to say that's a clear cut sign your husbandry is off and the reason she's trying to escape is because she's stressed. Not because she wants to go for a walk in the park. Snakes do not = dogs.

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it could also be a sign of hunger as well. Spaghetti always paces a day or so before feeding day, but she doesn't try to escape.

she does this because she knows where the food comes from (this is also an old picture; much more clutter in the enclosure now):
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...3c0c39c8c6.jpg

Clarifying, my previous comments have no reflection on you op.

Something I am curious about, is he only active outside his tank? Or inside his tank too? If so is it only at night or during the day? What time do you usually handle him? I know they are more active at night so I wonder if that could contribute to him being more active. Can anyone else clarify this as a possibility?

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

it could also be a sign of hunger as well. Spaghetti always paces a day or so before feeding day, but she doesn't try to escape.

she does this because she knows where the food comes from (this is also an old picture; much more clutter in the enclosure now):
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...3c0c39c8c6.jpg

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It's possible, but the trying to find an exit bit is making me wonder if there are husbandry issues at hand in combination of the tiring out your ball python concept, which I never heard of before. The impression I get is this sounds like a frequent ritual with the statement of needing exercise frequently. So I admit it is pretty concerning.


Ps. Spaghetti is the best spaghetti and I love her.

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Clarifying, my previous comments have no reflection on you op.

Something I am curious about, is he only active outside his tank? Or inside his tank too? If so is it only at night or during the day? What time do you usually handle him? I know they are more active at night so I wonder if that could contribute to him being more active. Can anyone else clarify this as a possibility?

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He is only active outside of his tank. He is actually always inside one of his hides in the tank.

I usually only get him out later in the day. Around 5 or later.

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Originally Posted by Keiraffe

He is only active outside of his tank. He is actually always inside one of his hides in the tank.

I usually only get him out later in the day. Around 5 or later.

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If that's the case, then I personally I don't think it's an issue. Taylorr already addressed the possible reasons why he's active and how it's normal. So you're good if you got the Taylorr green light!

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Originally Posted by donnadudette2003

It can be normal depending on the snake. My big girl kawaii will "play" for an hour or more now before resting. Meaning sneksploring and going to all of the places in the house she knows she hasn't been or shouldn't be. [emoji23]
She used to take naps every like 10-30 mins like the rest of the ball pythons. Now I have to wear her out before I get worn out.
**edit I should mention she needs exercise often and on days I don't get her out of her tank for playing on the "mom jungle gym" I've seen her spend 3 hours going from one side of her Viv to the other. Back and forth. Over and over. Until she wears herself out.
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Wat.


The only time I ever see my snakes active is when they're running away from their own poops. My older snakes will poke their heads out and wait for their rats on feeding day, but your python should never be that active.

Check the husbandry (temps, humidity, hides), check the tank/tub size in case it's too small, make sure there's not a lot of open space, cover the sides of the tank/tub with paper (preferably black) if they're clear and if they're not already.


To the OP:
Your snake is probably just not used to you, or looking for a place to hide. Bps don't like being out in the open. As long as he isn't active like that in his tank/tub - as in no pacing, nose rubbing, etc - I wouldn't worry. Just don't take him out too often or you run the risk of stressing out your snake to the point of possible food refusal or defensive behavior.

Thanks so much guys! I have only had him for about 3 and a half weeks so it would make sense that he is still getting used to me.

She has a very nice, regulated, and very expensive viv. And when she's not feeling energetic she's just like every other lazy snake who stares off into the nothing and falls asleep.
If these other snakes are allowed to show activity at night I'm not sure why my snake getting an hour to explore is a big deal.
She shows no other signs of stress in or out of her tank. Such as aggression, fear, running when approached, messing up her viv and moving things, etc. She eats regularly and has never had an issue with it. She's actually pretty pudgey and large.
She's always been active, some snakes just are. And it's not a stress active, I have a snake I got from a rescue with stress issues and trust me the difference is staggering.

I'm getting sick of people attacking me for treating my animals like a part of my family. To me that's what they are. Yeah I might talk to my pets, and I might treat them a bit odd but that's because that's just who i am. It works for us, and any one who has interacted with her since hatching knows that she just likes to explore and is perfectly healthy.
I know they're not dogs. I happen to have a dog (a Weimaraner) so... I happen to know the difference.

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One last question lol

How often should I be handling him? I currently get him out about 3 times a week for 10-15 min.

Is that too much or not enough? I'm new to snakes so I just want to make sure I'm not causing him any stress. Just want him to be healthy and happy!

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Originally Posted by Keiraffe

One last question lol

How often should I be handling him? I currently get him out about 3 times a week for 10-15 min.

Is that too much or not enough? I'm new to snakes so I just want to make sure I'm not causing him any stress. Just want him to be healthy and happy!

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it's up to you, but right now since he seems a bit stressed i'd stick to the schedule you have. over time he'll relax and you can keep him out longer.

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Originally Posted by donnadudette2003

I'm getting sick of people attacking me for treating my animals like a part of my family. To me that's what they are. Yeah I might talk to my pets, and I might treat them a bit odd but that's because that's just who i am. It works for us, and any one who has interacted with her since hatching knows that she just likes to explore and is perfectly healthy.
I know they're not dogs. I happen to have a dog (a Weimaraner) so... I happen to know the difference.

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If I ever came off as attacking you, I apologize. That was never my intention or motivation. I replied to you because I see things like "my snake is active a lot in the tank so it needs exercise" or a statement that may or may not be in favor of cohabitation, I feel compelled to point out what may or may not be wrong in order to help, just in case.

OP - what tttaylorrr said ��

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Originally Posted by donnadudette2003

She has a very nice, regulated, and very expensive viv. And when she's not feeling energetic she's just like every other lazy snake who stares off into the nothing and falls asleep.
If these other snakes are allowed to show activity at night I'm not sure why my snake getting an hour to explore is a big deal.
She shows no other signs of stress in or out of her tank. Such as aggression, fear, running when approached, messing up her viv and moving things, etc. She eats regularly and has never had an issue with it. She's actually pretty pudgey and large.
She's always been active, some snakes just are. And it's not a stress active, I have a snake I got from a rescue with stress issues and trust me the difference is staggering.

I'm getting sick of people attacking me for treating my animals like a part of my family. To me that's what they are. Yeah I might talk to my pets, and I might treat them a bit odd but that's because that's just who i am. It works for us, and any one who has interacted with her since hatching knows that she just likes to explore and is perfectly healthy.
I know they're not dogs. I happen to have a dog (a Weimaraner) so... I happen to know the difference.

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I apologize if it seems like I'm attacking you, but when you present potentially problematic concepts as advise in an open forum, well, be prepared for possible criticism and voiced concern.

In the end, your pets your rules, do what you wish and risk what you wish. It works for you BUT may not work for others which is why it is concerning when you present very different ideas, because newcomers COULD take your practices and apply them. You know your reasons why, but others won't and could be misunderstood. Your normal days could be warning bells for another, and it's safer to advise what's the general rule rather the exception to the rule. Even well intention misinformation can be harmful.

Considering your pets as family it totally fine (heck I do the same), but you have to understand the psychology of each species, which in your previous posts on different occasions you seemed to keep applying mammal traits to your snake. It's incredibly easy to anthropomorphize our beloved snakes because, well, we love them! But in the long run, it's doing them (potentially) more harm than good.

That's all I'll say on this because I don't want to keep going off topic. Just understand I'm being sincere, not intentionally antagonistic.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by donnadudette2003

It can be normal depending on the snake. My big girl kawaii will "play" for an hour or more now before resting. Meaning sneksploring and going to all of the places in the house she knows she hasn't been or shouldn't be. [emoji23]
She used to take naps every like 10-30 mins like the rest of the ball pythons. Now I have to wear her out before I get worn out.
**edit I should mention she needs exercise often and on days I don't get her out of her tank for playing on the "mom jungle gym" I've seen her spend 3 hours going from one side of her Viv to the other. Back and forth. Over and over. Until she wears herself out.
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I let my Ball Python explore all the time! She just cruises round as happy as can be, then goes back in her viv and goes back to sleep. She is such a silly snake XD My snake is also a bit more active at night, she will roam around for about and hour most nights in her viv (unless she just ate or is shedding) then go back in her hide.

As far as handling new snakes, I'd give it around 10-20 minute sessions once a day. Always make sure your handling your snake at least two days after a feed and two days before, and keep handling during sheds to a minimum, not at all if possible. Each snake is different. Some love being out of their cage, others not so much. Just look for signs of stress when handling, such as posture, breathing, tongue flicking etc. It's very simple to discern a stressed snake from a curious one. As long as sheds are good and they are eating properly and all else is good, you needn't worry. The older your snake gets and the more you handle it, the more it will mellow out. Young snakes definitely will be more crawly crawly, and they also tend to be more nippy. But have patience. Take things slow and steady and work around your snake. You have the next 20-30 years with him, so you guys have plenty time to bond.


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Activity out of the viv can be hit or miss and depends on your snake. Mine is somewhat active on some days, and prefers to sit next to me wrapped in the dark security of a blanket to watch me on others.

That said, your room is often open and brightly lit with few places to hide, so if you had some cardboard "hides" and blankets to bunch up on the floor and left those around, it'd be much better for the snake roaming about! That way they can exercise if they want, but also aren't stressed and trying to find a place to hide in your room if they're not.