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  1. #9
    BPnet Lifer Bogertophis's Avatar
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    I'd suggest losing the half-log "hide" for now -they're okay as "furniture" but not actually hides of the type BPs require to feel safe- and replacing it with a hide of the same type & size as the other one, assuming that plastic hide is the right size for this BP. They want to be fairly snug inside; hides must have only one doorway, not oversized- just big enough for them to fit thru easily after a meal. Half-logs are WAY too open & too tall- BPs prefer some "back pressure" too. (the feeling of being wedged in so nothing can sneak up on them)

    The reason it's best for hides to be identical is that if one feels more secure than the other, they'll most likely choose that one whether or not it offers the right temperature. They need a warm hide for digestion, & a cool (unheated) hide for other times like when in shed. BPs evolved using thermoregulation to keep from needing to eat constantly- ie. to be efficient in harsh environments, so as captive pets, you need to offer snakes similar conditions to what they'd seek & need for survival in their natural environment.

    Apart from the hides, you might want to drop the highest & lowest temps by about 2*- might be a bit too warm, assuming temps. were accurately recorded. Aspen is okay, but not helping your humidity any.

    Other than that- if he's a year old, he's more apt to feel out of sorts by a new home than if he'd been sold as a hatchling. He came to depend on where he lived before...try to imagine how weird that is to have the world as you know it suddenly disappear & not understand how or why. For best results, a new snake (especially one as sensitive as most BPs are) do best if their new home mimics their previous one- at least for a while, & even if it was too small. Always best to ask the source exactly how the snake was kept prior to your purchase, & for a time, duplicate that until they settle in & eat regularly.

    A 40 gal. tank is pretty big (most would say TOO big) for a yearling BP- I realize your intentions were good, but BPs are ambush predators that feel safe when hiding most of the time- they're not active hunters- instead they wait for clueless prey to scamper past where they're holed up. When you offer food, do so only at night- & dim the room lighting. Don't offer food if he's cruising the cage either- he'll likely refuse, but a BP peeking out of their hide is often one that's hoping for a meal- that's the best time to offer.
    Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
    Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)

    The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ~ Gandhi

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    ballpythonluvr (04-25-2021)

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