Mostly all of balls are out and about exploring within an hour after turning off the lights. Some are drinking, some are checking out the nooks and crannies of their tubs or cages. My snakes in tubs move their hides around with them as they thermoregulate and my balls in reptile cages move back and forth between their hides. None of them stay out in the open during daylight hours or when the lights are on

My boas on the other hand are always hanging out on their branches or, at night, moving around Curious little buggers!!

As for feeding during their shed cycle, I always offer food and most often they take it. I've noticed that when they are within 24 hours of actually shedding they typically refuse. When this happens, I just wait until the next regular feeding day. I feed every 7 days for my snakes.