My new ball python only hiding on warm side

[Saviorself]

I am new to snakes. I purchased a ball python on saturday. I had a 10 gallon setup for him ahead of time. 10 gallon tank with screen top, uth, 1 log hide on the hot side, 1 cardboard hide on the cool side. Temps on the hot side at substrate are 90 and on the cool side 80. Humidity is roughly 40, had to cover the top partially with foil to keep ambiant temps and humidity up. Since getting the snake he does come out of his hide to explore but when he hides he only stays on the hot side. I dont have the sides or back of the tank blacked out but im thinking of doing that in the next day or 2. I have not handled the snake since putting him in his new home I know that you want to wait a minimum of 7 days before you do. Is this normal behavior for the snake?

Thanks

[SlitherinSisters]

1, they usually stay on the hot side.
2, they will chose the hide they like best, regardless of their health, you need two identical hides.
3, they spend nearly all of their time in the hide, if they are out roaming all day that's a bad sign.

[dragonboy4578]

^^^^I second that ^^^^

[Saviorself]

Ok I must have missed the part about Identical hides. Ill pick up another half log hide today. Thanks

He is in the hide the majority of the day.

[SlitherinSisters]

Ok I must have missed the part about Identical hides. Ill pick up another half log hide today. Thanks

There's a lot of stuff to remember and some care sheets forget certain things, it's an easy thing to do!

Log hides also aren't the best BP hides, but if it works for your bp you can use them.

[blushingball419]

Yes, hiding all the time is normal behavior for a ball python. If they come out and explore during the evening/night, that's perfectly fine, but, as already stated, if they're out during the day for extended periods of time, that usually means that they're stressed for some reason. So staying in his hide = good

Also, if you're going to be using log hides, I would recommend placing them so that one end is right up against the back of the glass tank so your snake feels more secure in them. And yup, blacking out the sides and back of the tank would be a good idea Other than that, everything sounds good and congrats on your new addition

[Saviorself]

There's a lot of stuff to remember and some care sheets forget certain things, it's an easy thing to do!

Log hides also aren't the best BP hides, but if it works for your bp you can use them.

He seems to really like that spot. He sits at the back of the log near the glass. Do you recommend the rock hides instead?

[blushingball419]

He seems to really like that spot. He sits at the back of the log near the glass. Do you recommend the rock hides instead?

Yes, the cave-like rock hides are the best, or anything that is less open and makes them feel more secure. You can use dark colored/opaque plastic bowls (found at the dollar store or similar places) with a hole cut into the side too (just make sure the edges aren't too sharp), or the reptile basics ones that you can find on their site.

Ball pythons like to feel surrounded and enclosed on all sides, and while the log hides aren't bad (especially if you have them pushed up against the glass), they're still too open in the front. Most people recommend more cave-like hides

[Saviorself]

Thank u much guys