Ball python suddenly trying to escape

[Haxle]

Hello everyone, I'm looking for some advice. My pet Talia has been eating (large rats) just fine, and as of last week is suddenly spending all night trying to get out of her tank. I'm wondering what could be causing it.

She's in a 31x12 long tank with the warm side at 90 and cool side at 85. She does only have one hide, but she's always been fine with just one. I'm ordering another one now just in case.

Only recent changes are the normal fall drops in temp, and I've noticed she doesn't quite fit in her hide anymore (her head sticks out)

She sleeps through the day with no problem but spends all night moving quickly around the tank and poking at the edges.

Any ideas?


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[redshepherd]

From what I know, this usually either means 1. hungry or 2. temps/humidity/some husbandry are off.

If you know she's eating the correct sized prey, what are you using to measure your surface and ambient temps? Is it with a temp gun + digital hygrometer/thermometer?

[Haxle]

Humidity is at 70% (that's just how humid it is in my room) and she has refused her last 2 rats (2 weeks without eating) she's also currently on plush paper towel for substrate and she seemed to really like that. Thanks for the input! I'm hoping the second/bigger hide will help


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[Haxle]

I'm using a digital thermometer with a remote sensor, no temp gun though. Maybe hide is too hot?


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[Jhill001]

Has anything changed in your activity? Its possible that you may just now be noticing that the snake moves around at night because you are up at night more. Snakes move around a lot more than we realize throughout the day (even ball pythons) because we aren't staring at them 24/7.

Either way having appropriate sized hide is always important so I would fix that situation ASAP.

[Haxle]

Been using that for the last two years with no problem though :?


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[redshepherd]

ETA: Ahh, editing my comment again- I didn't see the new posts yet.

An infrared temp gun would be a good thing to invest in. Mine was just around $15.

Also, she could just be finally hungry after 2 weeks of not eating.

[Haxle]

Good point on the hides. I tend to glance at her every 10 minutes or so from 5 to midnight so I'm pretty aware of her mannerisms. The hide will be here by next Wednesday, I'm just a paranoid mama and want to make sure she's ok. Her skin looks fine, nice pink mouth and good breathing so idk.


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[Haxle]

I offered a rat yesterday but I guess she was still too fussy; she didn't even come near it and she always strikes very quickly


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[Haxle]

Also thanks to both of you for your input!


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