Is My Ball Python OK?

[Wuattaguan]

The two reasons that immediately come to mind for a snake roaming the tank are if it's too warm, or if the snake is hungry. I haven't had to deal with a ball python fasting and then deciding to eat again, so I think that she could just still be hungry, but hopefully someone with more experience will chime in.

I would definitely add a cool hide (or even some fake plants/foliage), and see if that helps her feel more secure. What are you using to measure the temps? And do you have a thermostat regulating the UTH? Your picture shows that the maximum temp on the branch is 95, which is a little high (you want to try to stay 94F or below), but based on the temps showing for the rest of the tank, I wouldn't think that she's moving a lot because of that. I would measure the temperature on the bottom of the tank right above the UTH and see exactly what you get. If it's 85-90 (if I'm reading your diagram correctly), then that's not too hot.

Hope that helps!

I have been using two analog thermometers and rotating them throughout the cage to get different averages. However, I am buying a Temp gun as we speak so I will know for sure. I will also add a cool hide and Post updates later today if behavior changes!

Thanks!

[bumblebee1028]

Yeah, a temp gun should be a lot more accurate than an analog thermometer (and temp guns are useful for other stuff, too). I hope that a cool hide helps!

And you're welcome!

[dr del]

Do you have a thermostat?

[Mr. Misha]

Welcome to the forum. First of all, what are you using to measure your temperature in the terrarium? Secondly, what are you using to control your UTH?

If the temp is 73 anywhere in your tank, that's too low for a Ball Python. This might be the reason why he's going out of his hide to warm up.

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[Wuattaguan]

Welcome to the forum. First of all, what are you using to measure your temperature in the terrarium? Secondly, what are you using to control your UTH?

If the temp is 73 anywhere in your tank, that's too low for a Ball Python. This might be the reason why he's going out of his hide to warm up.

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I normally Use 2 analog Temp/Humidity meters, one on each side of the cage, they both read 50-60% humidity, but the cage temperatures vary as shown in my diagram ^

Buying a temp gun

[Wuattaguan]

Do you have a thermostat?

I normally Use 2 analog Temp/Humidity meters, one on each side of the cage, they both read 50-60% humidity, but the cage temperatures vary as shown in my diagram ^

Buying a temp gun

[Mr. Misha]

I wouldnt trust those analog gauges at all. I highly recommend getting an Acurite digital gauge which also has a humidity gauge. http://mobile.walmart.com/ip/Acu-Rit...mometer/896347

Also, if your UTH isnt already controlled by a thermostat, that's a must. If you want to go a cheaper side of thermostats, you can always get a Hydrofarm thermostat or go with something better like a Herpstat. Without anything controlling your UTH, your snake can get easily burned.

Like I said before, if the temps gets as low as 73 in any part of the tank, that's way too low. It should be a minimum of 77. Here's a good thread in how to set up a glass terrarium: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=201740

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[bcr229]

A thermostat is not a thermometer. Are you regulating the UTH with a thermostat? If not the UTH can get hot enough to burn your snake.

[Wuattaguan]

A thermostat is not a thermometer. Are you regulating the UTH with a thermostat? If not the UTH can get hot enough to burn your snake.

The UTH is unregulated but it is 8 Watts and runs at 85-88 degrees surface temperature. I placed it under a card-board sheet in the hide where my snake lays, so it gives the hide a gentle warmth. He does not seem to mind it at all!

[Wuattaguan]

I wouldnt trust those analog gauges at all. I highly recommend getting an Acurite digital gauge which also has a humidity gauge. http://mobile.walmart.com/ip/Acu-Rit...mometer/896347

Also, if your UTH isnt already controlled by a thermostat, that's a must. If you want to go a cheaper side of thermostats, you can always get a Hydrofarm thermostat or go with something better like a Herpstat. Without anything controlling your UTH, your snake can get easily burned.

Like I said before, if the temps gets as low as 73 in any part of the tank, that's way too low. It should be a minimum of 77. Here's a good thread in how to set up a glass terrarium: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=201740

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I think lowering the bulb from 100-watt to 75-watt will fix everything. I changed the setup to the following: