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  1. #1
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    My new baby ball python is hiding behind background

    Hey everyone, as the title states my new ball is hiding in between the fake foam background that comes with the exo terra tanks and the glass. I wanted to know if this is something I need to be worried about. She has two hides and all the temps and humidity are where all sites recomend they be. She was using the hide for the first few days I've had her but the past 2 shes been hiding there. New to owning a ball python so I am pretty nervous. Any help would be great.

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    Bogertophis's Avatar
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    It's really not ideal, is it? Personally I would take the background out & not use anything like that which a snake can get behind. What's keeping the back-
    ground adhering to the back of the glass, anyway? I'm assuming there is something sticky that's supposed to hold it...and fyi, you don't want anything sticky
    like tape in a snake's enclosure where they can come into contact with it. It's trouble. Also, the space behind the vertical background is not going to have
    the ideal temps. either. (I do like to add scenery on the outside of the glass...it adds beauty for us & privacy for the snake, and if you live where it's really cold,
    or just have trouble keeping temps. warm enough, you can also add various materials behind such outer scenery to help insulate the cage, ie. keep the heat in.)

    Now, understand this about snakes: they like hides with "back pressure"...in other words, they love to feel snugged in. If you don't provide it, they'll try to
    find it & it sounds like yours did. Many commercial hides are too tall, too big (& yes, your snake is going to grow), or the doorway is too large (poor privacy).
    Easy fix: crumple a paper towel or 2 (as needed) and stuff them into the hides so when your snake goes in, she'll feel snug. Easy, right? BTW, if a snake
    has to choose between a hiding place that's warm enough, & a hiding place that just feels snug (safe), they'll choose the latter. That's why we always give
    them at least 2 hides, one warm & one cool side, so they can always hide at the right temperature.

    By the way...
    Last edited by Bogertophis; 02-12-2019 at 12:52 AM.

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    Registered User Jellybeans's Avatar
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    Re: My new baby ball python is hiding behind background

    Sounds like she's just scared which is normal
    Don't know how long you've had her but it's a good idea for at least the first week to not mess with her at all except perhaps to check on her but do not handle or feed. Do you have a picture of your baby and her enclosure

    Sent from my LGMP260 using Tapatalk

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    Re: My new baby ball python is hiding behind background

    Not too sure how to add pictures from my phone on this website.

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    BPnet Veteran SquirmyPug's Avatar
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    I have one of the foam pieces in one of my exoterra cages. It's just held in place with friction from being pushed into place. I left it there because it will help insulate the cage and helps keep things hidden for the snake.

    I doubt your BP will stay there, probably once it's settled into its new home it will stay in the hides. Make sure your hides aren't too big, some fake plants and things help the snake hide as it moves around so that can also help.

  8. #6
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    Re: My new baby ball python is hiding behind background

    I have some moss around the cage and a fairly small hide. I don't believe it is too big but maybe just giving her a few more days is all she needs. I was planning on feeding her tomorrow since it's been 6 days tomorrow but I don't think she will eat.

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    Re: My new baby ball python is hiding behind background

    There is no sticky tape or anything holding the foam against the glass, it's free moving. There are two hides on both sides like I stated, one on the cool side, one on the hot. She has used both in the few days that I have had her.

  10. #8
    BPnet Royalty Zincubus's Avatar
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    Re: My new baby ball python is hiding behind background

    Quote Originally Posted by Boromir View Post
    There is no sticky tape or anything holding the foam against the glass, it's free moving. There are two hides on both sides like I stated, one on the cool side, one on the hot. She has used both in the few days that I have had her.
    All great suggestions and advice above so far !!

    I'd take the background out for ages months -you can always try it back in again when it's settled down properly.

    I'd also add some branches and fake plastic /silk foliage plus any pieces of bark you can find


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk




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  12. #9
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    Re: My new baby ball python is hiding behind background

    Thanks to everyone for the advice!

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    I would also ditch the foam background.

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