Axel Feeding Day!!

[Axel28]

First thing that comes to mind is total lack of security and waaay too much open space and no shelter. In understand budget is a concern and you were mentioning picking up more stuff when you can but Axel may not eat until your set up at the proper additions.

There are some temporary solutions you can use as a place holder until you get more stuff but I'll address the main things first.

I trust you already know the half log hides are not idea and you were in the words of getting more appropriate hides. Just remember they like flat, snug hides that resemble a cave and feel like a turtle shell. So keep that in mind when you shop for replacements. Reptile Basics sells great, inexpensive hide if you're not opposed to ordering online

http://www.reptilebasics.com/small-hide-box

I think Axel will do well in a small.

Way more clutter. Be it fake plants or vines, you need something to crowd up that open floor space. Even using paper towel/toilet paper tubes can help make traveling from point a to point be feel safer. A ball python is used to being attacked from above so he sure when you place your plants and vines, he feels like he can't be seen from above either. The less you see of him the more safe he feels.

You can also never have too many hides, as long as you make sure your matching, primary ones are identical and of the ideal type/size.

You can still keep the half logs, but I'd treat them more as an extra furnishing, making a tunnel or "bridge" Axel can use when he wants to travel between hides. Just keep in mind they can be hard to clean and unless you use sealant (just make sure it's reptile safe), you'll have to toss them out sooner than later as the wood can absorb pee if Axel decides to do business on it.

As for temporary solutions I already mention paper towel tubes, but using crumpled newspaper paper as your "fake plants" may help (just toss when they get wet), cardboard boxes as "structures" to block Axel's view of the glass, or half burying your log hides in more substrate.

What can make this more effective is is you find a flat box of some sort, be it a cereal box or some old plastic containers, whatever can hold substrate in it. Flip it upside down so it's like a sandbox then place the hide in it and make sure one of the openings it's pressed against the back so Axel only have one opening. When you fill it with substrate it will cover more of the hide and hopefully, make it seem more like an underground cave. You can place paper towels or newspaper on top for additional cover, and HOPEFULLY that will help until you can get more suitable hides and actual fake plants.

Dollar stores and craft stores are you friends with that. Other hide budget options Deborah covers on this thread.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?59280-Hides-my-way

Hope that helps!

Also how are you measuring your hot spot? You're using an UTH last I recall right?

I don't have a Temperature gun, if it was my money i'd get everything that he needs, but it's my parents, I am trying to get a job and even sell my Xbox One.
I know he doesn't have a good living space right now and I am sorry for that.... So, please forgive me...