New ball python owner, has some questions!

[hayleyannen]

Hey all! I received my ball python, Bijou, yesterday morning. he's gorgeous!

I spent the whole two weeks prior to getting him making sure his tank would make him a happy snake!

I have a 20 gallon tank, aspen bedding, warm side with the under tank heater and a hide that reads 90.6* right now and a few plants surrounding. A cool side with his water bowl, another hide, another plant. The cool side read 84.3*. Humidity levels are at 52%.

When I first put him in his new home, he sat in the middle in a secure ball for about 5 minutes, then I watched as he untangled himself, explored around, drank some water and found a cozy place on the warm side.

He stayed in that spot all night, and about every 6 hours, he'll get up and wander around for about an hour then go back to his corner. I haven't seen him in either of the hides, he just loves to curl up between some plants in a corner on the warm side.

Of course, I feel like something is wrong and want to know if this is normal behavior for a hatchling ball python. I'd love to get some feedback!!

[The Serpent Merchant]

Its possible that the hides that you have are too big. Whatever the reason your BP doesn't seem to like them, Can you post a picture of your setup?

Here is how to post pictures: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...with-pictures)

[Evildrdee]

Sounds like a content ball to me.

[bcr229]

Try putting a plant in front of the entrance to each hide. Ball pythons really like small, confined places. Also, if the hide is too big some balls of newspaper in them to take up the extra space will help the snake feel more secure.

[vangarret2000]

Sounds like normal activity. He's getting used to his new surroundings. What are you using to regulate/monitor your temps?

[Neal]

Yea it doesn't sound like anything is wrong. Snakes are curious by nature so he's just warming up and exploring. Though what type of hide you use can be a reason he's not going in it, a picture of your setup would help us give more specific advice.

[Snakesonly]

Sounds like a content ball to me.

x2