Hide refusal

[The Letch]

We just brought our new baby girl home (5 months old) on tuesday and she's doing great. Exploring the enclosure, lots of movement and such BUT she won't use either of the identical hides that we bought for her. They're both the pre-fab type from a pet store that look like a rock with a hole in the side. They are big enough for her to get into without being too big but she won't use them. She's done a good bit of basking on top of the rock on the warm side but not inside the hides. Temps running from 80 on the cool end to 93 on the warm end and humidity is between 50 and 60 %. Any ideas?

[Kaorte]

She is still freaked out from being moved into a new home. Give her a week to settle in then she should start using them.

[dsmalex97]

what are you using to monitor the hot side? I know mine like to be warm and hiding at the same time, this is why I use UTH instead of basking lights. Also the hide might not be what the snake wants, without a pic theres no telling. BUT! Go to the dollar store and find some plastic bowls, cut a hole for a door(not too big)so she can get in and out. Just make sure your not buying really big hides, bp's like it very snug and small spaces to hide in. Hope that helps!

[The Letch]

Thanks for the answers guys. I'm using UTHs as I read on here that lights will suck the humidity out of the air.

When I got up at 2:30 am on friday morning to got to work I noticed that she'd crawled inside the hide on the cool side of the enclosure. We're going to attempt a feed this afternoon as it's been a few weeks since she's eaten. Hopefully she'll grab a bit but I'm not worried if she doesn't thanks to the info I've gotten on this site. You guys are great.

[ScottyBoa]

I use RBI hides for my BP and she loves them. Plain, secure, fit nicely into corners and work great. I'll never use pet store garbage again.

[harm286]

my female lesser does the same she just sits on the log doesnt wonna curl up
but i just got her too so im hoping she gets use to it soon

[psycho]

Well first of all your snake is still a baby and might not want to go in the warm side because its to hot. Hatchlings and juveniles need a hot spot of 85 degrees, sub adults and adults need one of around 90 degrees. Or like you mention her hides are like rock there might be some sharp edges try to sand them down...either than that most baby ball pythons are known for not going into there hiding spots because they have little concern about staying in one place for a long time and are more active like you mention...

[stratus_020202]

Glad to see she is using them. Your husbandry sounds perfect! AND um...........where are the pictures. They are a must on here lol.