Odd Behavior

[resisted]

I'm worried that there may be something wrong with my BP. He's awake and moving about almost constantly, even during the day. Whenever I get close to his tank, he strikes at the glass. Usually, he's only active at night and quite lovey toward me.
He was just fed last week, so I'm pretty sure it's not hunger-induced grumpiness.

Has anything similar ever happened to you? What do you suggest I do?

[xdeus]

Welcome to the forum!

Now about your question... that isn't very normal and it indicates your snake is stressed for some reason. Could you provide a little more information such as how long you've had your snake, what are the temps, what kind of cage, hides, enviroment, etc?

[elevatethis]

Ditto...a detailed description of your setup will shed some light on whats going on. Also include what you feed your snake, the size and age of your snake, as well as the frequency that you feed him.

[resisted]

He's about a year old and I've had him for a few months. Before that, he lived with my dad. The temp is around 80F, he lives in an aquarium, and he's about 1.5-2 feet. There's a piece of wood that my dad got from the pet store inside the tank and he likes to hide under it. He also likes to empty out his water bowl and hide under it. Also, there's a lamp with one of those .. reptile lights shining on one end of the tank, and there's a humidifier set up and turned on for a few hours at a time every day. If I leave it on too long, water starts to drip off the sides of the tank and such.

Also, I feed him a one or two little feeder mice every other week.

That's how he's been living since I've had him. Before, my dad just had him in the tank in front of his television, without a light and .. anything else, but his piece of wood.

[xdeus]

Thanks for the additional info. It sounds like he doesn't have an adequate environment and that's probably why he's stressed and aggressive. Take a look at the caresheet on this forum for all the specifics.

Basically, they need a temperature gradient from the low 80s to the low 90s, identical hides on each side, fresh water, and an appropriate sized meal once a week. They don't need high humidity, although it's good to bump it up to around 60-70 percent when they are shedding. The hides should be small enough so that he can feel the sides touching him. You can make a good, cheap hide from the plastic drip trays that they use under plant pots. Just cut a hole in the top or on the side. The lamps are okay, but they tend to dry out the air a little too much. You'd probably be better off getting rid of the humidifier and lamps, and getting an under tank heater and a thermostat, or a rheostat (dimmer) if you can't afford a decent thermostat. I'm sure you'll find that your snake will settle down and be much more docile once his environment is to his liking.

Good luck!

edit: One more thing... a decent digital thermometer is practically essential. Take a look at the Accurite model at Walmart that has an extra temperature probe and a hygrometer to measure the humidity.

[elevatethis]

Well, first I'd say you should check out the caresheet on the site.

In detail, your temperature should be 92-94 degrees on one end of the tank, 82-84 on the opposite side. At a minimum, there should be an equally secure place to hide on each side of the tank. Your heat source should be something that can be left on 24/7. A bright bulb will not be appropriate to use, instead opt for one of the red or blacklight style incandescent bulbs that can be left on at night without stressing out the snake.

Your snake is propably out roaming in an attempt to seek out more appropriate temperatures. 80F is not warm enough.

[xdeus]

Also, I feed him a one or two little feeder mice every other week.

BTW, at a year old he would probably be better off with an adult mouse once a week.

[tigerlily]

Lawrence that is great info!! Get the hides and temps straightened out, and your bp should calm down considerably!

[resisted]

Thanks so much!
I bought Hayden a hide and a mouse today after school. Hopefully he'll be happy as a moose.