Ball python hide problem.

[N1GHTRA1N]

Hey, I think I have a problem with my ball python disliking a hide. He has a small exoterra cave on the cool side and a medium on the hot side. I recently moved his terrarium from a upstairs bedroom to my downstairs room in the basement. I've also replaced his substrate (same substrate, just new clean stuff). His warm side is a constant 92 degrees and the cool side is around 78-82 degrees. The humidity is between 50-60%.

I moved the setup on Friday and since then he hasn't used his small cave at all. He use to move back and forth between them pretty regularly prior to the move but since then he won't go in it at all. I've even laid him next to it, he'll stick his head in 1-2 inches and then come out and move to the medium sized cave. I find this strange and troublesome.

I'm wondering if it could be that he is getting larger and finds the small cave too small now, he fits in it snugly. I've only had him a couple of months and maybe this hide is now too small for him. I'm hoping it is just a size thing because I can easily buy a new larger hide for him. He just recently finished a shed as well if that information is important, his second shed since I've had him.

Is there any other reason besides the size of the cave that could make him dislike it and not use it? The temps are exactly the same as before the relocation and so is the humidity on the cool side. The warm side is a little cooler than before because I installed a thermostat to control the temp, it not sits at around 92 degrees all the time but before would shift between 92-102. I haven't noticed any other problems with him, he isn't shy and doesn't mind being handled and was feed on Saturday.

I know it has only been three days of him not using the small hide but I want to make sure he is as safe and happy as possible. If anyone has any suggestions or advice please share.

Thanks,

[mainbutter]

using the same hide for a couple days is nothing to worry about.. sometimes a snake will regularly go between multiple hides and then change their mind and stick to a single hide for a while.

[JLC]

There's virtually no such thing as "too small" when it comes to BP hides....

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=35212

Some even enjoy wearing them like little "hats" when they get really small.

Sometimes just moving an enclosure from one room to another can cause some levels of stress or anxiety. We can't know what different smells or vibrations they may be picking up on. And they live life at a much slower pace than us warm blooded mammals. It can take several days for the snake to reassure itself that it's home is still safe and there are no new dangers or threats lurking about in this new location.

Give him another week or so with no handling except to offer fresh water...and I'll bet he returns to his usual routine of hiding/sleeping most hours of the day.

[N1GHTRA1N]

There's virtually no such thing as "too small" when it comes to BP hides....

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=35212

Some even enjoy wearing them like little "hats" when they get really small.

Sometimes just moving an enclosure from one room to another can cause some levels of stress or anxiety. We can't know what different smells or vibrations they may be picking up on. And they live life at a much slower pace than us warm blooded mammals. It can take several days for the snake to reassure itself that it's home is still safe and there are no new dangers or threats lurking about in this new location.

Give him another week or so with no handling except to offer fresh water...and I'll bet he returns to his usual routine of hiding/sleeping most hours of the day.

Excellent info, really appreciate it. I noticed last week when he was in his small hide he would sometimes reposition himself and completely move the hide off the substrate a inch or so, this is why I was wondering if it was too small.

I'm over protective of him I think, I've become very attached in the two months I've owned him and would hate for him to be upset or uncomfortable. I figured he wasn't too stressed since he seemed to enjoy being handled today and has eaten since the move. Hopefully he is just trying something different and everything is cool with him again soon.

I won't handle him again for a few days at least. I have to change his water on Thursday and feed him again so I'll wait until then before handling him.

Thanks,

[Prophet]

I had a little "reef" thing that my ball used to love to climb on(most dont but mine isnt most), then one got inside it and i had to cut it out because it was wedged in there and couldn't move.

[N1GHTRA1N]

I had a little "reef" thing that my ball used to love to climb on(most dont but mine isnt most), then one got inside it and i had to cut it out because it was wedged in there and couldn't move.

That would have freaked me out. I had a fish get stuck in a plastic boat (hole in the side) once and there was no way to save him.