Ball Python 'searching'? Stress and how to treat

[Auriea]

My Ball Python Hossette has been frantically searching in her tank. it's been a while now and she just wont relax. I don't know what to do. I know searching is a sign of stress and stress is caused primarily by holding and/or improper husbandry. But her tank hasn't changed much since she was last acting normally. You know, a hiding bp is a happy bp and all of that. And no matter how long i leave her alone she still doesnt stop. I have to be wrong somewhere. There has to be something I'm missing. But what? Please if you have any advice i would much appreciate it. I want my lady to be happy again.

[Knowell]

Answering a few questions will help the forum help you try it figure it out.

What size is the snake?

What size is the tank?

Is he eating?

Have you done any cleaning lately? If you replaced substrate and cleaned hide it's all brand new to the snake and has to check it out before settling in.

Are you observing this behavoir only at night?

What are the hot/cold temps?

There are a few more questions I'm sure I can't remember right now.

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[Craiga 01453]

In order to help you we'll need to know more.

- How long have you had the snake?
- what type/size enclosure is the snake In?
- How are you heating the enclosure?
- what are your temps?
- How and where are you measuring temps?
- Are your heat sources regulated by a THERMOSTAT?
- How often are you handling the snake?
- how much does the snake weigh?
- what prey are you feeding? How often?
- Are there at least 2 properly sized hides?

The more you tell us the better we can help you.

[Godzilla78]

Post a photo of the terrarium. That will tell a lot about why she might be roaming around.

[Auriea]

3 foot snake 3 1/2 years old. 1200grams
30 gallon glass tank coconut fiber(damp) two hides one on hot side one cold side, weighted water bowl, some leaves and a wood structure. 2 sides covered by blanket, lid is half wrapped in saran for humidity.
She has a wall mounted heat mat and an under the tank mat.
Her hot side is 85-88°F cold side is 72°F humidity is 63-65%
Cage was last clean cleaned a month ago. And i go light poop cleaning every other week. Water change with light clean.
She eats medium rats. Live, only. She will NOT eat frozen. And only brown rats. No white.
Feeding is every other week.
She is searching both day and night. Nonstop.

[VereMyth]

3 foot snake 3 1/2 years old. 1200grams
30 gallon glass tank coconut fiber(damp) two hides one on hot side one cold side, weighted water bowl, some leaves and a wood structure. 2 sides covered by blanket, lid is half wrapped in saran for humidity.
She has a wall mounted heat mat and an under the tank mat.
Her hot side is 85-88°F cold side is 72°F humidity is 63-65%
Cage was last clean cleaned a month ago. And I go light poop cleaning every other week. Water change with light clean.
She eats medium rats. Live, only. She will NOT eat frozen. And only brown rats. No white.
Feeding is every other week.
She is searching both day and night. Nonstop.

72 degrees is a bit low. the ambient should be 80F

[Knowell]

Can you describe the hides? Are they tall/short? Made from what? Tight fitting or plenty of space?

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[Knowell]

Also what are you using to regulate those heat mats?

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[Godzilla78]

I wouldn’t let the ambient get to 72, that’s too low.

[redshepherd]

Bump hot side up to 88-92 instead. "Cold side" ambient should ideally be 78.

It would be most helpful if you post a pic of your setup!