You need to keep his enclosure/tank/(whatever) warmer! The cool end should be no lower than 77-78* F and the warmest area no warmer than about 90*. He needs a bit more than 80-85* F. max. About half should be around 88*.And that's "24/7" by the way. I assume you don't use a heat lamp (light?) at night, so what's the temperature in his home at night? That could make a huge difference too- ball pythons are not a species that you can allow to be cooler at night, & they're not the easiest snakes to keep because they require more warmth than many others (such as most colubrids).
For best results, he also needs 2 equally comfortable hides, preferably the same size too. Snakes will often choose "security" (the most snug-feeling or private hide) over the right temperature needed for digestion. So if the layout is wrong, he may choose to be too cool & then lose his lunch. See? Hides don't have to be expensive or fancy, but they need to provide the basic cover your snake needs to feel safe, with one on the cooler side & the other on the warmer side. A "tunnel" means open at both ends, & snakes (esp. BPs) do not find that to feel safe. It makes nice "furniture" but it's not an adequate "hide". Hides should have low ceiling & only one doorway that's not too big- they prefer just enough room to curl up in.
Many use these- they're very sturdy, not expensive & are easy to wash- https://www.reptilebasics.com/medium-hide-box They come in various sizes, you want one just big enough for your snake to curl up in- and put one on the cool side & one on the warm side of the enclosure. That way, the snake can choose the right temperature, rather than just the hide that feels safer.
It's okay if the hides are a little too big- you can also stuff paper or substrate into one end to make it feel smaller, cozier, while he slowly grows into it. But hides are a must to keep a BP healthy.
Reply With Quote