Ball Python Not Sleeping, Trying to Escape

[KMG]

I think most new keepers cause much more stress than they need to. Try to relax knowing you are trying your best and we'll get you squared away. The snake is probably just being a snake and I sometimes think they try to make new keepers go crazy.... Like they know.

I doubt the snake was going to drown itself. My BRB has eaten an entire rat under water.

As for mites. If it's eating I would say that's not it. You can also see the little buggers so without seeing any little pepper like spots in the cage or water again I don't think that's it.

Now it could be you changing things in the cage. Maybe the hides are not giving a nice secure feeling. A trick I've used for years is adding moss to my hides. Especially on hides that are larger than the snakes needs. Both of my Kings are little right now with hides that would be considered huge for them. I put a large clump of moss in them and it makes it like a cave system. They can borrow into it, climb on top, go under, you name it. It just gives a much more secure feeling and it's super easy to do. Plus during a shed you can mist it and create humid hides. Even with my Ball I keep clumps of moss around the opening of one of ours hide to make it a little more closed off. I'm doing that with my Madagascar Hognose too. I also have two hanging hides that are too big for the snakes they serve. Filled them with moss and now they're just right.

But then it could be that it needs a bit more food. Maybe try feeding a bit more often or a little larger food item. I have snakes that act like they are hungry the day after I feed them. Like my bulldog you would think I starve them.

[Bob212]

How do I add an image? I wouldn't think his hides are too small but there is some space above.

[KMG]

How do I add an image? I wouldn't think his hides are too small but there is some space above.

Too small isn't usually the issue.... It's being too big. If there is extra space you may try adding some moss like I suggested.

As for pictures it's my biggest complaint. You can upload it to your gallery and then you will have a link you can paste into the thread.

[Bob212]

Here's a photo. I gave him a rat yesterday and he stopped for a day but then he started right back up again. I think the only major problem would be too much of an open face on the sides.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GsS...w?usp=drivesdk. Also he went on ahunger strike that ended in march ish. Could he just want more food to make up for it?

[Bogertophis]

Here's a photo. I gave him a rat yesterday and he stopped for a day but then he started right back up again. I think the only major problem would be too much of an open face on the sides.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GsS...w?usp=drivesdk

Those hides don't offer much sense of security. The doorway is too big (Imagine how you'd feel living in a house with an extra large doorway that had NO door on it?) & the interior is not deep & dark enough to feel safe to a snake that needs to hide. They also look lightweight- & while you can get away with that for some snakes, it doesn't work for all- when the snake pushes up (BPs like "back pressure" to feel snug) a lightweight hide will lift up & offer no sense of security.

Instead, I would highly recommend using something like these: (They come in different sizes, so double check your snake's approximate size when he's curled up, against the sizes available- you want hides that are just slightly larger than your snake). Reptile Basics is one source of hides like this, there are others- but I personally use many of theirs. https://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes If the hide is a little too big, you can also stuff in some paper to make it cozier, while your snake "grows into it."

[Bob212]

Thank you for the help! I just ordered 2 different sizes that'll be here in 2 days. I didn't know exactly which one to get.

[Bogertophis]

Thank you for the help! I just ordered 2 different sizes that'll be here in 2 days. I didn't know exactly which one to get.

Just measure your snake (approximately + a little "wiggle room") when he's curled up. You probably don't need 2 different sizes, but you do need 2 of the same size- & IF they're a little big too big, as I said, you can wad up a paper towel or 2, & stuff them in one corner to make them seem more snug as he grows into them in time. If you just ordered them, you have time to cancel one size or the other, just get 2 of the size slightly bigger than he is. It should help a lot. And face them sideways (toward the center) also, not facing forward where you're looking right in at him- that would be like having people looking in your window...not sure I'd feel like eating then either, lol.