I recently changed the bulb on Nico’s cage to a 24 hr incandescent Night Red Heat bulb. Her temps are fine, but the first thing I noticed was that the lamp is very bright. I had been told from numerous sources that snakes can’t see red bulbs. I’m starting to doubt that now because Nico has not come out from her hide box for 2 days. Normally she comes out every evening, like clockwork.

This seems so out of her routine. I also tried to feed her and she refused to eat, but I assumed it was because I had taken her around town and she had been riding happily on my shoulders all day. My assumption was that the entire stimulus just caused her not to want to eat. I don’t know now with her not coming out of her hide.

Does anyone think am I missing something? I hope she’s not sick. Is it time for a vet visit? She seemed happy as a puppy when she was curled up under my neck for our outing a couple of days ago. She truly seemed happy, although I know that people believe it’s not possible for snakes to have this emotion, but I digress.

I just want to make sure I’m not missing anything.