Questions on my first ball python!

[neondreams]

Hi everyone!

I bought my first ball python on Tuesday from a petstore and although I did research prior (and am continuing research) I keep getting nervous that I'm doing something wrong since there can be contradicting information out there! Pandora (a relatively young ball python) has been doing pretty well, she was extremely active and curious in the store and was also that way when first introduced to her new home but lately she's been staying in her hide box and poking her head out a little bit, looking around and then going back in. I'm sure this is just the process for her to get used to things but I just wanted to make sure I have her new home set up right.

• 'Hot spot' is 90ish and the cool side is 82 (I have an ambient heating lamp on top and then a night lamp at night).
• Humidity is around 30-50% (keeps varying...I've been spritzing the tank with this mist provided but the screen top is making consistency hard...tips?)
• Bark blend for the liner (fir tree I believe it is...)
• She does have a hide box, a water bowl, and a log/branch to climb/hide in.

She usually get's fed on Saturdays so depending on how active she is I may or may not try this Saturday with a fuzzy in a separate container since that's what she's used to (I might not though because I have to move her one more time on Friday).

Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!!!

[SlytherynHiss]

That`s what Ball Pythons do. She is acting normal. An active BP is usually a stressed BP. Not sure about the Fir substrate, tho. (I honestly don`t know much about fir) I think I`d switch to Aspen to be on the safe side, tho.

[Austin C]

Perfectly normal to be in her hide all the time. I have heard the same about not using any fir/pine bedding. Switch to aspen, it works great.

As far as humidity, try either covering half to 3/4 the screen lid with tin foil or a damp towel. Does wonders to help hold in humidity.