Strange behavior

[Haxle]

Hey all,

My 3 year old BP has been acting oddly for a while. She's spending her nights (and some days) looking for ways out of her cage, sometimes frantically. Originally, I thought it must be the temps, so I bought a thermostat. That didn't help so I got a CHE instead of a lamp. No dice. Yesterday, I built her a whole new setup by moving her from a tank to a 41qt tub with a UTH (thermostat controlled) the temps are 90 hot side, 80 cool side. She has two identical hides and fresh water, clean tub with about 40 small ventilation holes. Humidity is at 60% and holding. She acts the same way outside of the enclosure (frantic movement) I tried feeding this week with no results. While I'm waiting to hear back from the vet, what the heck could be going on?


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[DVirginiana]

That does sound odd... Is she eating and pooping normally? Have you checked for mites? (Trying to soak can also be a sign of mites, as BPs typically don't soak very much).
What are you waiting to hear back from the vet on?

The tub is going to be easier to keep at a consistent heat and humidity than the tank was, but it would probably be good to avoid changing much else in her habitat unless you absolutely have to (change can stress them). Also having the enclosure in a low-traffic area can help reduce stress.

Can you post either a picture or complete details about her setup? Bedding, hides, water dish, ect.

What you're describing sounds like pretty general stress behavior, so it could be caused by anything. The more info about her setup and habits we have, the easier it'll be to pinpoint what's causing it.

[Haxle]

She ate two weeks ago but refused when I offered this week. She has peed and pooped normally after eating and seems normal consistency. Her old setup was a 20 gallon tank I have since disassembled but here's some pics of her new tub:

Temp for hot side is reading 94 on the probe (90 on top of substrate) and 80 cool side ambient. Humidity is a little higher today at 80%. Hope that helps and thanks for the response!


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[bcr229]

I would drop the hot side temp, as when your substrate is paper, air gets between the tub and the paper and cools it off. Then when your snake lies on it, the paper heats back up since it's pressed tightly against the tub.

Missing one feeding for a three year old female is nothing, and many adult ball pythons back off feeding as we enter winter even if you keep their temps and humidity up. I have one female that hasn't eaten in three months.

When you switch enclosures it can take them several weeks to settle into it, so I'd give her more time in her tub. You should find it much easier to maintain than the tank.

Other than dropping the hot side temperature you could cover the long side and one of the short sites with some newspaper or a light towel to make her feel more secure.

[Haxle]

Ok understood. She was just fiddly before the move (that's why I switched her to a tub) but it may be it just wasn't humid enough in the tank (couldn't get it over 40) but I'll take that advice and run. Thanks so much!


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[Haxle]

Alright so she tore her tub up last night (water bowl tipped, paper crumpled up to one side) and is still poking around since 8:00 last night. I checked her mouth this morning but it seemed ok. Her skin does seem a lot looser than usual despite eating pretty well. Here's hoping it get resolved soon


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