Ball python spazzing out during the day

[Sonny1318]

That's not the post I was referring to (about bashing) & I PM'd you specifically about that post...

I also agree that any snake will feel more secure when they have only ONE enclosure to "call home"...I actually PM'd the OP about that a while back, so it wouldn't get lost in all the chaos. I was worried that she would stop responding or leave the forum after some rude things were posted under the guise of "meaning well" for the snake.

I'm not at all convinced that a pillow (aka "bed") inside a hide makes one bit of difference -beyond not allowing enough heat to rise from the substrate IF & when using UTH. If that hide was the "cool" side hide, I'm quite sure that the snake is completely used to the scent & feel of such a "bed" & that's also not an issue. The biggest problem with using any sort of pillow or pet bed like that in a snake enclosure is that it will trap germs & be very difficult to wash & sanitize effectively, becoming a potential health risk.

I can recall posts from other keepers whose snakes seem to enjoy (or had no choice about) using a towel or blanket as substrate. The other issue with using any sort of fabric in a snake cage comes when snakes are fed: their teeth easily catch on fabric nearby when swallowing their prey, & if the fabric item is swallowed, it's not digestible & becomes a life-threatening medical emergency (& a very pricey surgery, I might add). That risk could be minimized if the object was removed at feeding time, but for such easily distressed snakes as ball pythons, that very interruption would likely make them refuse dinner. (For other snakes that aren't so shy, you'll get bit by a hungry snake when you reach in for it, LOL!)

I think it helps to explain WHY we suggest the changes that we do- who enjoys being harshly criticized & told that "everything they're doing is wrong"? In the case of the pet bed, as I recall someone suggested that the fuzzy texture was probably making the snake panic & spaz out, when the snake has been using this for some time.
Giving an obviously-false reason to change husbandry is not going to bring acceptance any better than insults. If we stick to giving good reasons for what we suggest, it might take a bit longer to post & in that time hopefully everyone can make sure their tone is actually helpful. At least that's MY excuse for long posts...

Well a little bit of enlightenment, in my own personal experience using tanks with paper towels. I have had quite a few snakes that weren’t crazy for the feel of moss being added to their hides/tanks. Just FYI. I too personally think some people sometimes are beyond help and have already decided, but to be so bold about the snake not liking the texture of an object? I seen snakes of all kinds react from everything from different substrate to hair. Just my two cents on a train already off the tracks. Peace ✌️