Is my ball python stuck or just hiding?

[sam94]

I got my first ball python this Sunday and just love him. He's the first snake I've owned, before I just had geckos. I have this hollow branch hide in his tank on the hot side that he really likes. I yesterday morning I couldn't find him anywhere in the tank when I went to change his water. I lifted up the branch and lo and behold, there's a bit of him peeking out the top hole. He's managed to wedge his whole entire body up in the top part of this branch,which is only about two inches in diameter at the widest and it's not very long. I tried to coax him out last night but he wouldn't budge, just tightened his muscles so he was squeezed in there more. He's been in there for at least two days, he may be coming out at night an going back in in the morning but I'm not sure. Is he stuck or just hiding and doesn't want to come out? I will try and upload pictures later once I figure out how to.

[MontyAndMelissa]

Ball pythons hide. That's what makes them feel comfortable. If you try to pick up the branch, he may be afraid of you enough to slither out. If on feeding day he doesn't come out, and you're genuinely concerned he is stuck, take him and the branch, making sure to support his body, to the vet. You should really have a hide where he can't get stuck, hun. He may fit now, but after a feed he may not. If he doesn't eat the first time, wait a few days or until the next feeding time.

[sam94]

I'm very familiar with ball python behavior. I thoroughly research animal care and behavior before purchasing anything. So yeah, he probably was just finding a comfortable spot like you said. The problem is I didnt know the whole entire branch was hollow because you can't actually see all the way into it because it's curves. So yeah, until this incident it was a perfectly fine hide.

[JoshSloane]

I would dare to see he is just hiding. Even an adult bp spends most of their time in the hide. A baby will definitely spend the vast majority of their time in there. Although it does happen, usually snakes can get themselves out of any tight situation.

[anicatgirl]

Yup! I ran into this the other day after I fed my girl. Her hide has a smaller back entrance and sure enough she got stuck trying to go through it. It took my husband and I both to get her out safely. If feeding day comes and he doesn't budge, it's time to be concerned, although I would already be concerned.

[Jhill001]

I'm sure it's fine, I actually had a post about this same issue with cage decor a few days ago. If it were me I'd wait till he comes out and then take the decor and fill up the really deep holes with aquarium sealant let it dry for 48-72 hours and then put it back. You want there to be places in the decor to hide but you also don't want to lose access to your snake when you may need it.