Mood change.

[flyfishing-falconer]

About a week ago my 8(ish) month old ball python was super active and he loved to explore like normal.
He shed his skin in one piece and was drinking just fine.
I took him out on Monday to show my cousins.
He was just fine and well behaved.
It was a little chilly but he was only put for a few minutes then he went right back and was not bothered the rest of the day.
Ever sense then I have not seen him move a bit, he normally goes everywhere right before I go to bed and I watch him for like 10 minutes.
But he has not been doing that, nothing at all has changed in his cage.
Is this normal? Or is something wrong.
I have had him for about 6 months and has been the sweetest tempered snake I have seen.
The pet store I got him from (a small private one) said he has always been like that and they held him all the time.
Thank you very much.
Luke.

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[JodanOrNoDan]

Check out the ball python care sheet on this site and make sure are the parameters are correct. He could just be going into shed or may be getting ready to fast. As the animal ages, if he is comfortable and not hungry, his activity will gradually decrease.

[flyfishing-falconer]

I don't think he is going to shed. He shed about a week ago and his eyes are jet black and he is super soft and shiny.
I will check and make sure, my hot side is 90° one his hot side and 80° on the other. His humidity is about 40-60 (my humidity broke so I have to fix it so I am spraying it so it is not steady.
Thank you, Luke.

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[Craiga 01453]

I probably wouldn't worry about it. BPs aren't an active species and they tend to be less active as they age.

Husbandry sounds fine.

Are you regulating heat sources with a thermostat?

What is his feeding schedule? His weight? Prey size?

[flyfishing-falconer]

I probably wouldn't worry about it. BPs aren't an active species and they tend to be less active as they age.

Husbandry sounds fine.

Are you regulating heat sources with a thermostat?

What is his feeding schedule? His weight? Prey size?

I am not, I don't really have the money for that.
I am used a ceramic heat lamp one a dimmer and I watch it and have it set so it stays the same. I want to get one but I am only 15 and the deal is I can have pets if I take care of them myself.
I know it is not great but the temp stays the same and when I have the money I am going to get one.
Thanks for your input, I took him out and he seemed fine so I am hoping he is just getting older.
I feed him a small rat once every 7-10 days.
He has no problem eating them and has had a few.
Thanks, Luke.

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[Craiga 01453]

I am not, I don't really have the money for that.
I am used a ceramic heat lamp one a dimmer and I watch it and have it set so it stays the same. I want to get one but I am only 15 and the deal is I can have pets if I take care of them myself.
I know it is not great but the temp stays the same and when I have the money I am going to get one.
Thanks for your input, I took him out and he seemed fine so I am hoping he is just getting older.
I feed him a small rat once every 7-10 days.
He has no problem eating them and has had a few.
Thanks, Luke.

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Ok, I understand. My advice is save your pennies and get a thermostat as soon as you can. Are you using a UTH?

[flyfishing-falconer]

Ok, I understand. My advice is save your pennies and get a thermostat as soon as you can. Are you using a UTH?

I am not, my and my brother made a cage a long time ago, it is oak ply wood sides and the floor is a FRP board.
So I don't think a UTH is a good idea.

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[Craiga 01453]

Ok, I think you're in good shape then.
If it's easier for you there is always the dimmer switch option. It doesn't regulate the heat output the way a tstat does, but limits the output. Going this route you will still have some fluctuations in temp, but at least you won't have a heat spike that can be dangerous to the snake.

[flyfishing-falconer]

Ok, I think you're in good shape then.
If it's easier for you there is always the dimmer switch option. It doesn't regulate the heat output the way a tstat does, but limits the output. Going this route you will still have some fluctuations in temp, but at least you won't have a heat spike that can be dangerous to the snake.

That is what I have
Have a great day, Luke.

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