Why is he doing this..

[TayKiren]

I can't figure out how to post a video but I'll do my best to describe. I noticed yesterday that my ball python was doing this thing where he will stick about 5-10 inches of his body into his hide and just start poking around it, all around the walls and the ceiling, sometimes even rubbing his face on the sides. I haven't noticed any signs of him going into shed and I'm pretty sure he would've done it already if that's what this was. Yesterday he eventually went inside but tonight he pulled himself back out and is now exploring a bit. The temp is almost exactly 90 and I haven't changed anything recently so I don't know why he's suddenly doing this? Anyone have any ideas?

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[Jamiekerk]

Don’t want to worry you, could be stress but when one of mine did this he had a to and was doing it to get funk out his mouth.

Has any of the walls got any smears or anything on it.


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[TayKiren]

No, I dont see anything like that

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[Zincubus]

I can't figure out how to post a video but I'll do my best to describe. I noticed yesterday that my ball python was doing this thing where he will stick about 5-10 inches of his body into his hide and just start poking around it, all around the walls and the ceiling, sometimes even rubbing his face on the sides. I haven't noticed any signs of him going into shed and I'm pretty sure he would've done it already if that's what this was. Yesterday he eventually went inside but tonight he pulled himself back out and is now exploring a bit. The temp is almost exactly 90 and I haven't changed anything recently so I don't know why he's suddenly doing this? Anyone have any ideas?

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Could indeed be anything ... that said face rubbing can be a sign that they are trying to get the shed skin off ... they loosen it at the mouth and head area ..


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[TayKiren]

Okay so I ended up just posting some videos to youtube because he was doing it again tonight https://youtu.be/ONLPGZz35Jw
https://youtu.be/WFjPhkAk9KE

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[Bogertophis]

Okay so I ended up just posting some videos to youtube because he was doing it again tonight https://youtu.be/ONLPGZz35Jw
https://youtu.be/WFjPhkAk9KE

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Has he been fed previously in his cage in that location? It appears to me that he is smelling the previous rodent-meal on his substrate & is probably hoping for more.
Is it time to feed him? Was his previous meal on the small side? Even if he's not due to be fed just yet, many snakes (just like many of us! ) are ready for a snack!

Even if he took a previous meal elsewhere in his cage, if he dragged it into his hide to eat, he is likely able to smell where the rodent touched...snakes have an
excellent ability to smell food...which is why you never handle their food & then the snake unless you want a bite. Even though we wash our hands well, just
enough scent can remain that a snake will perceive & be confused by. (a shower & clothing change is recommended)

[TayKiren]

He did eat around there last, and he's due to be fed tomorrow. That would make sense...Hopefully that's all this is, thank you! Maybe I'll try washing his hide soon.

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[Bogertophis]

He did eat around there last, and he's due to be fed tomorrow. That would make sense...Hopefully that's all this is, thank you! Maybe I'll try washing his hide soon.

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Yup, he's hungry & waiting for lunch..."Oh Misssssss, can I get some ssssservice here puhleeez?!?"
(I'm glad he's not trying to eat the substrate...)

[TayKiren]

Jeez, he was stressing me out to the point that I had a dream about this last night. Ha, can you tell I haven't even had him for a year yet? I am very easily freaked out

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[Bogertophis]

Jeez, he was stressing me out to the point that I had a dream about this last night. Ha, can you tell I haven't even had him for a year yet? I am very easily freaked out

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Don't feel bad...you'll learn to 'read' your snake better, the longer you observe him. I've been at this for many years w/ many snakes, it's just practice.
When it's your first, it's easy to worry & over-think it; the minute I saw your video, I knew. Practice...

And remember, snakes only need a few molecules of scent...never underestimate their sense of smell.