Ball Python Sticking Head Out Of Hide When I Walk Past?

[Seviper]

Is this good behavior? I've had Loki for a week, and I handled him this morning, which he seemed to love. Though later the same day, I had to push down his paper towel in one spot outside of his hot hide which he was currently inside and his head poked out. I only did it for half a second just to push it down, then I locked the lid. Every time me or my Grandma walks past, he will now poke out his head - is this good? Curiosity? Alert? I am a new BP owner.

After about 30 seconds or so, perhaps a bit longer, he will slowly move his head back inside, but I can see his head clear as day it's just not stuck out when he moves back in.

[melcvt00]

Mine does the same thing (new owner here, as well). He does seem to do it more often when it is a day or two before feeding day. It's like he is checking to see if there is food coming with my presence. :-)

[Seviper]

What a funny coincidence, it's actually feeding day tomorrow. I feed him on Wednesdays and Sundays since he's only a little over a month and a half old. Though my breeder told me he's doing it because he feels more confident and comfortable, however after handling him he never came out until my hand went in the tub.

[Slim]

Some of mine poke their heads out anytime the tub moves. Some of them pull their heads in every time. Just seems to depend on the snake.

However, if the smell of rat is in the air, lottie dottie and every body is in front and center of the tub...

[Seviper]

Finally figured out what he's doing--he's in feeding mode. He wants to eat, even if I fed him less than 24 hours ago!

[melcvt00]

Finally figured out what he's doing--he's in feeding mode. He wants to eat, even if I fed him less than 24 hours ago!

Maybe he needs to be eating more at a time? How big is he and what are you feeding?

[Seviper]

No lol he's just expecting me to feed him at 8PM onwards because I always feed him at nights, he's only one month old, almost two and eats small mice every wednesday and sunday. Like I said, he's in feeding mode, I don't need any help now I'm just posting why he is doing it since I worked it out.

[melcvt00]

:-)

[viper69]

However, if the smell of rat is in the air, lottie dottie and every body is in front and center of the tub...

That's so true. I've owned snakes my entire life and it still amazes just how sensitive their sense of smell really is. I'm barely into their room, and all their heads are out looking.