Set up question

[BrandonR]

Okay so I recently got a female ball python that is 5 months old. I tried to feed her yesterday and she regurgitated it. And that night she was constantly trying to escape. I thought it might be because the tank is too big because it's a 55 gal tank. I think she doesn't feel secure. So I had this tube, basically a huge paper towel roll, and I decided to put it in with her. She went in shortly after i put it in. She has not come out since. Ive seen her one her head out once but other than that she hasn't come come. Should iI be concerned? Should I take it out? It's a lot bigger around than she is.

PS- I tried posting a picture of the setup but I can't figure outhow to

[JoshSloane]

Ok, so there are many questions that we need to know in order to assess what is going on.

1. What do you use for heat, and how do you regulate it?
2. What kind of hides do you have?
3. Substrate type?
4. Humidity level?
5. What did you feed?

Regurgitation happens, but it is a serious thing. Do not try to feed again for another week.

A detailed description of your setup will help us diagnose what is going on.

[200xth]

Describe your setup.

I would be more worried about the regurge. It's normal for BP's to tuck themselves away somewhere and not come out for a while, but regurging is a sign something is wrong, either with the snake or with it's environment.

What are the temps on your setup? What does it look like? If you have a pic, and are having trouble posting it, here's a thread to help you get it posted somewhere:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Post-Pictures

[BrandonR]

I use a heat light and a heat pad the temp on warm side is 88 cool side is 79 humidity stays around 55-60 substrate is cypress mulch two hides plus the tube. One half log and one rock looking hide. I fed her a live rat pup, the guy I got her from said she has been eating them

[BrandonR]

I tried to upload the pic but it said it was too big

[BrandonR]

And I kind of assumed the regurg was because I just got her yesterday and I've read they get stressed out when put in a new environment

[Monty's_Mom]

The regurg may have been from the stress of moving. Ensuring the tank is just right is more important because it will be where your snake is going to live for a very long time.

Thermometers must be digital, UTHs have to use a thermostat to keep the temperature from getting dangerously hot. A dimmer switch can be a short term fix for this, especially in the summer. Temperature readings must be at the level and spot the snake is and wants to be. This means that the temp in the hide has to be known. Heat lamps should be on a dimmer switch and temp at the bottom of the tank under the lamp has to be known.

Juveniles feel insecure in a too large of a tank. 2 hides and lots of clutter in the tank will help. Clean fresh water at all times and the right humidity is vital. A thermometer that will also read the humidity is needed for this and the cheapest route.

Knowing all this info helps others help you here plus it is info that helps an owner ensure their snake is kept healthy and safe. Knowing all this and keeping the tank properly is also important so you know that if something happens, it is cause for concern because a vet will want to know all this.

[BrandonR]

Thank you i was going to get a dimmer switch today and I had a thermometer/hydrometer in there but she knocked it in the water

[Monty's_Mom]

My bonehead did a real stinky movement on a thermometer, I understand