BP interested in only escaping?

[NickP]

Hi,

My BP that i've had for exactly 1 week now seems to be only interested in escaping out of his tank. At the top where the screen slides on and off there are two small gaps so that I can put wires (probes) through. They are small enough so that my BP can't fit through but it seems like everyday, all the time all he does is explore that side wall of the tank, poking his head at those two holes. There is also this branch tree that I have that he climbs all the time to get closer to those two holes. I tried feeding it yesterday F/T and he doesn't even acknowledge it. Should I take the F/T out and refreeze? In about 2 more days I'm gonna alter his home yet again because that's when my online order comes in. Im gonna add background image, add his second hide, a water bowl, UTHs etc... so should I do that, then let him be for another week before feeding again?

[dr del]

Hi,

If the F/T has been in the tank for a while then I would probably just throw it out rather than re-freeze it.

And yup once you change anything in the tank some snakes need another week to settle back in so I would get it all set up right then leave him completely alone for at least a week before trying and if he's still not intrested and everything is spot on environment wise I would wait another whole week with no handling then try again.


dr del

[Royalherper]

Hi,

If the F/T has been in the tank for a while then I would probably just throw it out rather than re-freeze it.

And yup once you change anything in the tank some snakes need another week to settle back in so I would get it all set up right then leave him completely alone for at least a week before trying and if he's still not intrested and everything is spot on environment wise I would wait another whole week with no handling then try again.


dr del

"spot on", I love that phrase. We should adopt that in the states. I have a couple English clients that say that. It always makes me smile. As far as your other comments, I would agree. You have only had him a short period of time. I've noticed that aquarium kept snakes take longer to settle in than tub kept snakes. That has just been my experience and by no means a definite. You definetly should not refreeze and reuse that f/t.

[rottendj]

I've noticed that aquarium kept snakes take longer to settle in than tub kept snakes.

is that because tubs are boring and not a lot of exploring can/needs be done.


I have definately noticed some strange goings on with mine, all it needs is for me to move a bit of her bogwood and round and round she goes. makes me dizzy

im sure its fine.

[rabernet]

is that because tubs are boring and not a lot of exploring can/needs be done.


I have definately noticed some strange goings on with mine, all it needs is for me to move a bit of her bogwood and round and round she goes. makes me dizzy

im sure its fine.

No, it's because if your snake is training for the snake olympics, it's likely stressed out.

Constant roaming and trying to escape, without really settling into a hide for the majority of the day and only liesurely coming out in the evenings for a few hours,is a classic sign of stress and trying to get out to try to find a safer place to be.

Snakes in tubs feel much more secure, because tubs mimic a burrow effect. Remember, they aren't out during the day roaming in the wild, because they would likely be picked off by predators.

I'm much more concerned with my snakes if they are constantlty roaming than if they are tucked away in their hides.

[NickP]

Okay, so just let the snake be for another week or two without touching? and why do aquiarium snakes take longer?

[rabernet]

Because aquariums are too open which leaves the snake feeling exposed and in danger. One way to settle your snake is to fill the tank with loosely crumpled newspaper. You can wean him off of the newspaper after the first week, by taking out one or two pieces every few days.

[bearhart]

Mine was like that for a few weeks after I first got him. In fact, I got going on this site when I became concerned after he stopped being so active. Turns out it was because I had been improving his enclosure and he was getting more comfy!

I would recommend getting rolled cork from the craft store and covering three sides of the tank with it. it makes it less open and it also helps keep the overall ambient temperatue steady. With all bare glass, I think you'll find you'll have cold spots around the tank - esp in the corners.

I think you'll find that if you get the enclosure in order (temps, etc) your new pet will settle in nicely in short order.

good luck!

[bearhart]

is that because tubs are boring and not a lot of exploring can/needs be done.


I have definately noticed some strange goings on with mine, all it needs is for me to move a bit of her bogwood and round and round she goes. makes me dizzy

im sure its fine.

yea, when mine was younger, he had to do a big inspection routine anytime I changed anything around.

[Sunny1]

Because aquariums are too open which leaves the snake feeling exposed and in danger. One way to settle your snake is to fill the tank with loosely crumpled newspaper. You can wean him off of the newspaper after the first week, by taking out one or two pieces every few days.

I would recommend getting rolled cork from the craft store and covering three sides of the tank with it. it makes it less open and it also helps keep the overall ambient temperatue steady. With all bare glass, I think you'll find you'll have cold spots around the tank - esp in the corners.

I think you'll find that if you get the enclosure in order (temps, etc) your new pet will settle in nicely in short order.

These suggestions should really help your snake to settle down!!
If you don't like the idea of balled up newspaper in your tank, you could also go with getting some fake vines/plants to help fill in some of the empty space (it's also much prettier!!). This is what I did with my tank (as well as covering 3 sides) and my girl seemed to settle fairly quickly. I would suggest going to either a dollar store or a craft type store, or even Walmart to pick up some fake plants. Much cheaper than the petstores and it is all basically the same thing. I would just make sure that if you do get some fake plants, run your hand over all of it to make sure that there are no sharp points/wires sticking out that could potentially hurt your BP.

But I do agree that BP's settle much quicker in tubs than tanks. My new girl is set up in a nice comfy tub and it took her maybe a day or two to settle in her hide, where even with the vines and stuff it took my girl in the tank a couple more days to get fully settled. But that is only my very limited experience.