BP acting up and trying to escape ( pics )

Okay heres the story.. I live in Los Angeles and these last couple of days its been gettin really hot like 96 degrees.. and my home air conditioning hasnt been working right so i turned my BP's heat light off so it wouldent get too hot in the tank.. the temp's went down but then my BP just kept trying to escape after like 30 minutes of having the light off.. it usually only tries to escape at night time but this time it was day.. and then it climbed up onto the light bulb and wouldent come down for like 20 minutes.. so i reached into the tank to try to get it and it started coming towards me and it looked like it was trying to strike.. so i stepped back and it moved so much that it fell off the lamp and hit its water bowl.. any1 know whats going on?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...rix818/1-4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...rix818/3-2.jpg

How are you heating the tank? I don't see a thermostat! Also, you need to offer the snake 2 identical hides, one for each side of the tank (the cool side and the hot side). Also, how are you measuring the temps and humidity? I don't see a thermometer/hygrometer.
Looks like a stressed snake.....

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Originally Posted by starmom

How are you heating the tank? I don't see a thermostat! Also, you need to offer the snake 2 identical hides, one for each side of the tank (the cool side and the hot side). Also, how are you measuring the temps and humidity? I don't see a thermometer/hygrometer.
Looks like a stressed snake.....

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okay all you did was critisize and didnt answer anything..

# 1 - are you blinde? do you not see that big light bulb its hanging from.. thats how im heating the tank

# 2 - im measuring the temps with a stick-on thermometer which u can also see on the right side of the tank..

my question was why is my BP all of a sudden doing this? because i turned the tank light off or is it because its getting too hot?

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Originally Posted by 51-50 Python

okay all you did was critisize and didnt answer anything..

# 1 - are you blinde? do you not see that big light bulb its hanging from.. thats how im heating the tank

# 2 - im measuring the temps with a stick-on thermometer which u can also see on the right side of the tank..

my question was why is my BP all of a sudden doing this? because i turned the tank light off or is because its getting too hot?

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Relax.... asking the questions I asked has helped to answer your initial question. Just chill :)
I did see the light bulb and since now I know that it is your only source of heat, coupled with the thermometer at the top of the tank, I'd say your snake is trying to get warm.
You're measuring the temps at the top- heat rises- the light is off- and the snake has no belly heat.
Here's what I will suggest and you may take it as criticism though I mean it as helpfulness:
1- please provide belly heat for your snake; they need it for good digestion.
2- please control that source of heat with a rheostat or a thermostat.
3- please provide an accurate measure of temps and humidity by putting a digital display thermometer/hygrometer in the bottom of the tank.
4- please provide the snake with 2 identical hides; one on the cool side and one on the hot side.
It is my experience that once you have upgraded your husbandry skills, the snake will no longer be 'trying to escape'.

Well, Starmom did respond to your question by saying it looks like your snake is stressed. Then she went on to make comments about your enclosure that might help identify the source(s) of stress.

Actually, she said it in reverse order, but the idea is the same.

Almost everyone who posts on bp.net with "why is my snake doing this" will get lots of questions about the set-up their snake is living in. That is the only way people can accurately identify what might be going on with your snake.

Probably no one will ever know for sure why your snake did that on this particular day. But it does seem to me likely to be related to stress. So if that is all the answer you want, you've got it. Otherwise, I'd suggest you answer Starmom's questions and a few more.

Is there anything to prevent the snake from climbing on the lamp when it is turned on?

Are you aware that those stick-on thermometers aren't considered accurate enough? Also, the temps need to be measured where the BP is, on the substrate (or even under the substrate since they will borrow down in sometimes), in the hides, etc.

Do you have anything to measure humidity?

Your BP will feel more secure, and you'll also have fewer temperature fluctuations if you cover the back and the sides of the tank. Darker colors will make the snake feel more secure, something insulating will help with the temps more.

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Originally Posted by starmom

Relax.... asking the questions I asked has helped to answer your initial question. Just chill :)
I did see the light bulb and since now I know that it is your only source of heat, coupled with the thermometer at the top of the tank, I'd say your snake is trying to get warm.
You're measuring the temps at the top- heat rises- the light is off- and the snake has no belly heat.
Here's what I will suggest and you may take it as criticism though I mean it as helpfulness:
1- please provide belly heat for your snake; they need it for good digestion.
2- please control that source of heat with a rheostat or a thermostat.
3- please provide an accurate measure of temps and humidity by putting a digital display thermometer/hygrometer in the bottom of the tank.
4- please provide the snake with 2 identical hides; one on the cool side and one on the hot side.
It is my experience that once you have upgraded your husbandry skills, the snake will no longer be 'trying to escape'.

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That's everything I was thinking before I read it so....X2 :) With proper husbandry your little guy will probably not try to escape. If he likes to climb, then get him a branch....just make sure that he can't get to the heat lamp when it's on. Mckinsey was not giving you a hard time, but needed more info to answer your question.

From the pics here are my concerns with your enclosure:

1. If that were my enclosure I would be highly concerned that the snake could get burned from that light being inside the enclosure. If that is your only source of heat, then that light is on a good deal of the time, and they get HOT!! And snakes don't register contact with high heat like we do. If we feel something hot, we pull away quick, snakes won't. Hence the reason that heat rocks are so bad (for example).

2. Those stick on thermometers don't do anything but measure the temp of the glass. If you were to put a finger on the glass where that stick on thermometer is, it would affect the temperature reading. Plus you should measure your temps from ground level, where the BP spends most of its time.

3. Definitely give your BP 2 identical hides and at least cover up 3 sides of the tank. He is way too exposed in there with not enough cover. Those half logs aren't the best hides for your snake.

4. Ditto on starmom's post.

5. The tank seems too tall for a BP. They need more floor space as opposed to vertical room.

6. Definitely get a good hygrometer in there to measure your humidity.

well, Ill assume the light has been off for the last couple of days? you said you were in LA, im in vetura its been butt hot.

No need to get all ruffled bro, just read what they have to say, combine knowledge with your own, all will be good.

(and for the record, I do not use "two identical hides" never have, never will)

5150, you ask for help and get defensive and rude when people try? your setup is horrible. straight up. get that heat light out of there right away and invest a few dollars in a digital thermometer because those stick on ones are garbage.

you obviously dont want to listen to anyone and i really dont want to help someone with your attitude so just read this: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=56846

hopefully it helps you out and helps you manage to keep your snake healthy.

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Originally Posted by bigballs

5150, you ask for help and get defensive and rude when people try? your setup is horrible. straight up. get that heat light out of there right away and invest a few dollars in a digital thermometer because those stick on ones are garbage.

you obviously dont want to listen to anyone and i really dont want to help someone with your attitude so just read this: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=56846

hopefully it helps you out and helps you manage to keep your snake healthy.

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:rofl::rofl: Thank you for externalizing my internal voice :rofl::rofl:

Seconded! :gj:

As far as enclosure stuff goes, i recommend 20 gallon long tank, this tank looks like it doesn't have much floor space, which is generally what balls prefer. the heat lamp needs to go somewhere the snake can't touch it directly, it can fry itself to death by wrapping around it when it is on. Snakes do not perceive heat the same way humans do, so they get burnt in situations that a human would not. Or a human would touch a hot surface and reflexively pull their hand away, where a snake only feels the warmth, not the burning and can hurt themselves from touching the incredibly hot heat source!

your snake should calm down once you make some changes, the advice people are giving is correct and don't get butthurt because of criticisms. They are trying to help and are being serious because you need to know these things before your snake gets hurt or successfully escapes. Do what you will with the advice, but most people giving advice have been keeping many snakes for a long time. Concern for the animal often overrides some folk's "nice" attitudes. lol

His belly looks pink in the photos. Is he coming up on a shed?


Your attitude pretty much turns off many people that would want to help.

First, your using a bowed front enclosure for fish. While good for fish, isn't optimal for a ground dwelling snake. It has a lot of air space, and little floor space.

The open space, the open 3 sides and minimal hiding spots will put your snake under tremendous stress.

The height can prove to be harmful if your snake falls from the top of the enclosure. Broken ribs, internal injury and death all come to mind.

It's just not an optimal set up for a terrestrial snake.

Second, you have the heat lamp inside the enclosure. This is a serious burn risk, especially more so when the snake can clearly get on the lamp. There are burn pictures all over the forum of snakes that wrapped around the heat lamp, with serious burns.

Third, you are missing key equipment.
A UTH and rheo/thermostat. It will give your snakes belly heat, aiding in digestion and also providing proper temps at the ground level for your tropical snake.

The tank is also missing thermometers to measure the temps. It is very essential to KNOW your temps and not GUESS!

Hygrometers, you dont know the humidity in the tank.

2 identical hides to promote thermoregulation without stress. Providing a hot hide and cool hide will ensure that your snake can remain hidden and still stay at the best temps.

Other than the very tall enclosure, I have to say that closing off 3 sides of the tank with paper or decorative poster will help your snake de-stress.

I too have to advise a different enclosure. One that has a lot more floor space and less air space. Fish tanks are for fish.
Besides the increased floor space, the lower the enclosure, the easier it is to maintain proper temps and humidity.

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Originally Posted by 51-50 Python

okay all you did was critisize and didnt answer anything..

# 1 - are you blinde? do you not see that big light bulb its hanging from.. thats how im heating the tank

# 2 - im measuring the temps with a stick-on thermometer which u can also see on the right side of the tank..

my question was why is my BP all of a sudden doing this? because i turned the tank light off or is it because its getting too hot?

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#1 - No need to be rude to someone trying to help you. That "big light" inside the enclosure is a disaster waiting to happen. You're lucky you haven't had a burn yet.

#2 - those stick on thermometers are crap - AND, you're not even measuring ground level temps.

You've been advised on multiple occassions that your snake needs belly heat, that you need to use digital devices to measure temps, but you dismiss this advice, because you don't want to do those things.

Bottom line, your snake is stressed and that's why it's acting the way that it is - it needs two SMALL identical hides, and it needs belly heat provided - it also does not need such a tall enclosure.

When you're ready to make some adjustments and take people's advice - please let us know, otherwise we're really just wasting our breath offering you suggestions.

Mine do like to climb- I would provide a branch so he can climb about if he likes. I also would be worried of having the heat source inside the tank. Can you place it on top of the tank?

Yes, the light can be on top, but should NEVER be inside. I've seen enough pictures to never attempt. I have used a tank with the infrared lamp on top to provide a higher cool side temp. The UTH on the hot side, the lamp on the cool side to keep ambient temps at 80.

Seriously, I have read alot of your posts here asking what is up!
People give you advice and you you do not follow it.
What are you looking for by posting here?

Your snake is stressed! Your set up SUCKS!!!!!!!
You have been told this by some of the most best on this board.

Its not hard ya know......
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...0002_thumb.jpg

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

Your attitude pretty much turns off many people that would want to help.

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:gj:

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

First, your using a bowed front enclosure for fish. While good for fish, isn't optimal for a ground dwelling snake. It has a lot of air space, and little floor space.

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Actually, the taller fish tanks are really designed to look pretty, not to be great for fish. Most fish prefer to swim back & forth rather than up & down. But it is even worse for the BP.

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Originally Posted by Windridge Kennels

Mine do like to climb- I would provide a branch so he can climb about if he likes.

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A low branch is ok, and I'll agree that they do seem to like to climb a little bit. But BPs are heavy bodied terrestrial snakes that aren't particularly graceful. Never put anything in your BP's enclosure that is high enough they could possibly hurt themselves if they fall. Because most likely they will eventually fall.

I thought these 2 things were worth clarifying. Pretty much everything else that has been posted in this thread (except by the OP) I agree with 100%.

I was just thinking that had crispy snake all over it :(

Honestly as you read through all of this just remember a few things. We all love our snakes and yours.. So we want what is best for the buggers! So as you sift through this pick out the thing we all are saying. True I dont live in a hot place so I dont understand the one heat light and it is off. But the heat lamp in the cage with your snake dude is really not cool.. Actually not to make "light" of it its to "Hot"!! Dont burn you pet by mistake.
After ya move the lamp out and possibly get a better tem and humid guage look into some repti sticks for climbing.
Now some will say I am crazy but mine love to climb and chill on top of stuff over looking his home. Just a thought..

Peace :)

Hey 51-50! We're here to help, and even though you asked a specific question, we can't answer it one or two sentences. Most 'odd' behavior displayed by bps is due to environmental/husbandry issues. Have you ever touched that lamp when it is on? I have the same one and it gets darn hot, I've burnt myself. Now think what will happen to your snake should he decide to climb up there when it is on. Big burn!

We are here to help, and if you have read the husbandry sheets, I can guarantee you you are going to get very similar advice from members. I know its no fun when you feel like you have got it right, but people point out here you need to improve, but the fact is, none of us have ever got it perfect. I learn, you learn, we all learn as we and our animals grow. Try and be positive about the advice, even if you don't agree with it right away.

http://ball-pythons.net/modules.php?...warticle&id=59

I second and third that which has already been seconded and thirded. Seems like the same people are always asking the same questions and never taking any helpful advice that is given.

Also whoever said "Don't get all butthurt"... nice, I haven't heard that one in FOREVER! :gj:

5150 dont get too snappy bout the advice ur getting, everyone here is snake crazy and once you get a healthy snake you will be too. i had all sorts of prorblems and questions when i first got my ball and everyone here jumped at the chance to help, if not for the people here i would prob have a dead snake. but like uve already heard, ur tank is all wrong, get a tub or look on kingsnake or even ebay for a tank thats more suited for a snake, u NEED belly heat and u NEED a thermostat and thermometer, other wise u dont no the temp and have no way to control it. also petco sells a small branch thin that is bout 6-8inches tall, thats wat i have and mitch loves to climb on it and when he falls he doesnt hurt himself. hope this helps

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Originally Posted by V1L3 DiaL3cT

Also whoever said "Don't get all butthurt"... nice, I haven't heard that one in FOREVER! :gj:

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Lol, an old classic i need to use more often, lol. XD

But seriously, it is rude both to give snide comments disguised as help and to receive them with as much rudeness. The fact OP posted here is a step in the right direction and it is our job to try to correct as gently but firmly as possible. I think OP as well as others could take my advice.

"he started it" is a five year old's response, not a mature adults. I really hate seeing unnecessary rudeness from anyone, but I also hate when responders claim that it's ok to be rude back. So I apologise if I lookded too snide. It is my true opinion in the matter, there is no reason to get upset at advice, even if it isn't the most kindly worded.

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Originally Posted by darkbloodwyvern

Lol, an old classic i need to use more often, lol. XD

But seriously, it is rude both to give snide comments disguised as help and to receive them with as much rudeness. The fact OP posted here is a step in the right direction and it is our job to try to correct as gently but firmly as possible. I think OP as well as others could take my advice.

"he started it" is a five year old's response, not a mature adults. I really hate seeing unnecessary rudeness from anyone, but I also hate when responders claim that it's ok to be rude back. So I apologise if I lookded too snide. It is my true opinion in the matter, there is no reason to get upset at advice, even if it isn't the most kindly worded.

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It would seem as though his posting questions was a good first step, except that he has been posting questions and ignoring the advice for months. I mean it was like 3 weeks ago when he told us he was gonna shell out the $12 for a digital thermo/hygro. (he has no hygrometer at all, unless since that time he decided to get a stick-on instead)
I'm pretty sure he just posts these things to make us mad. Just like "Hey, look, I have a lamp IN my tank HAHAHA what're you gonna do about it??!"
Or else I guess he could be genuinely asking a question about his snakes behavior, but then if the answer could in any way have anything to do with requiring him to change anything about his setup or husbandry, he starts insulting the people trying to help. He's unwilling to take advice because he takes EVERYTHING personally and there's no reason to- it's the same advice given to EVERYONE else.
I guess you could say the right thing to do would be give up on him, but I think most of the people here are too worried about the well-being of the snake.