Why is he choosing the cold side?

[thorblood666]

Hello everyone just had a quick question about my little ball python. I have had him for about a month now and his setup is very simple. Just two small bowls with holes cut for him to access, coconut bark substrate, a water dish, a heating pad on one side, and an infrared heating light. Both sides are monitored for temp and humidity. Warm side reads at 87-88 degrees, cold is 80 degrees and both humidity's are 50%. He seems to like both of his hides, but he really only uses the cold side one. Just wondering what was up and if anyone had any ideas. Thanks!

[Skittles1101]

If you are sure the temps on the hot side are not too hot, then maybe he just prefers the cool hide. If they are identical, then he just likes that side. Is he using the hot side hide after he eats?

[gardenfiend138]

Which side is the heat lamp on? If it is on the cool side, then it could mean that the ambient temperature is actually warmer on the cool side, since the heat mat only affects the surface temps on the warm side. What are the ambient temps on both sides?

[evan385]

He said the hot side is 87-88 and the cool side is 80, you should read the whole thing before posting

[thorblood666]

If you are sure the temps on the hot side are not too hot, then maybe he just prefers the cool hide. If they are identical, then he just likes that side. Is he using the hot side hide after he eats?

Ha he hasn't eaten yet, but he likes to get out in the mornings and crawl around the cage and warm up, but then just returns to the cool side.

[thorblood666]

Which side is the heat lamp on? If it is on the cool side, then it could mean that the ambient temperature is actually warmer on the cool side, since the heat mat only affects the surface temps on the warm side. What are the ambient temps on both sides?

The heat lamp sits almost right in the middle, but slightly closer to the warm side of course.

[Skittles1101]

You've had him for a month and he hasn't eaten??

[evan385]

My female does this too, and I know that I need to get a 100 flat black spotlight because that's what I had before and it was perfect ambient was 85 F right now it's 80 F on the hot side and she stays on the cool side at 74-75 F I don't know why she prefers the cool side but she's slightly cold when I take her out from that side. Got a new job so will get new bulbs soon maybe some better heat mats. Should be getting a female pastel from Emilio after I get a cheap car Sorry don't mean to jack the thread.

[thorblood666]

You've had him for a month and he hasn't eaten??

Yeah! I have been confused also. I have tried f/t and live and he just isnt interested at all. He is always more interested in exploring his feeding box (just a small cardboard box with paper towel). I even tried force feeding him and he would just move his head out of the way and explore. Any advice on that also? Haha thanks for all the help!

[thorblood666]

My female does this too, and I know that I need to get a 100 flat black spotlight because that's what I had before and it was perfect ambient was 85 F right now it's 80 F on the hot side and she stays on the cool side at 74-75 F I don't know why she prefers the cool side but she's slightly cold when I take her out from that side. Got a new job so will get new bulbs soon maybe some better heat mats. Should be getting a female pastel from Emilio after I get a cheap car Sorry don't mean to jack the thread.

He does the exact same thing! Even when I pick him up he is cold also. Sall good thread is still cool ha. Good luck with getting your new Pastel, such beautiful snakes.