Is this normal?

[TurboTom]

Hello everyone,

I have a question about the behavior my new ball python is exhibiting.

I brought him home and kept handling to the absolute minimum for the first week and a half. He seemed to be settling in to his new home well so I tried to feed him a thawed mouse. He wouldn't take it. Now all he does is stay in his cave and doesn't come out at all, not even at night. The only times I interact with him are when I lift up his cave to make sure he's still alive. Temps in his cage are right around where they should be. What I want to know is: does this sound like normal behavior? And if not, what can I do to combat the situation? I never had this problem with my old BP so any help would be greatly appreciated. And I'm sorry if something like this has already been asked.

[Daybreaker]

It's good he's hiding: that's what BPs do. I would be concerned if he was roaming all the time since that's a sign of stress (and/or hunger). As long as your husbandry is fine I wouldn't worry. Keep trying to offer food once a week: he might have refused because he's still adjusting to the new place.

[TurboTom]

Thank you very much. I thought he was pretty settled in but he must not be. I knew they hid a lot, but I didn't think 24/7 was normal.

[sprockett]

Sounds normal too me if your husbandry is correct....a hiding ball is a very happy ball...also I prefer to wait 10 days between feeding attempt when I get a new Bp...keeps the stress down.he will eat when ready..also try a live rat of correct size..that usually gets a new Bp in THE MOOD..hope this helps...anymore questions let us know..thanx

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Also do not handle him at all until he eats atleast 2 times consistently...just open cage to do water maintenance and etc...thnx