Ball Python Not Using Hide

[TheMolenater2]

I'm working on a tight hide right now, I got to clean it.

[TheMolenater2]

I just put in the new box, and it went in for a moment but then came back out and started climbing up the wall...

[Jenn]

Sounds like he's just searching for a spot where the temperature and humidity are right, but can't find it. I wouldn't worry nearly as much about the hide as I would about the proper temperature gradient, and humidity.

[TheMolenater2]

I'll get some thermos and hygrometers as soon as possible. Now hes been curled up on TOP of the hide box.

[Mochelem]

I have a snake that doesnt like hides also, he moves in between the the tub and the outside of the hide.. Its the only snake I have that does this.. His hide is tight, temps are 93 on warm side and 89 on cool side, humidity is 55%... I dont use lamps, its like he prefers to stay outside of the hide... I would get a thermometer and hygrometer, if you go to wal mart they have them in the hardware section for $10 its a combo thermo,hygro with a probe. If temps humidity and using infa red doesnt do the trick I would just let the snake do its thing...

[TheMolenater2]

I have a snake that doesnt like hides also, he moves in between the the tub and the outside of the hide.. Its the only snake I have that does this.. His hide is tight, temps are 93 on warm side and 89 on cool side, humidity is 55%... I dont use lamps, its like he prefers to stay outside of the hide... I would get a thermometer and hygrometer, if you go to wal mart they have them in the hardware section for $10 its a combo thermo,hygro with a probe. If temps humidity and using infa red doesnt do the trick I would just let the snake do its thing...

Thanks for the advice.

[rabernet]

The fact that your snake is preferring to be squished beside the hide and the glass tells you that he needs to feel his hide touching him on all sides when he's in it in order to feel secure. Since he doesn't, he finds places where he CAN feel something touching him on as much of his body as possible.

Plastic flower pot saucers with an entrance soldered in them make awesome hides, even small plastic cereal bowls you can get at the dollar store do well for them.

I'm not sure if you mentioned the size of your enclosure - one that's too large can also stress him out as well.

Good luck!

[TheMolenater2]

Thanks. He is pretty small so he is in a 10 gallon so I don't think its the cage size. I made a hide out of a small container that is supposed to have butter in it. I washed it out and made a little hole in it. Next thing I know he is curled up on top of it!

[roosterman2173]

I don't understand why pet stores sell all new owners a half log or half a coconut. They are over priced and under used. I go to wal-mart in the spring/picnic area and get 4 hard plastic salad bowls for 1.97. Then I use a small hole saw to drill 1"1/2 hole. Then I got a nice hatch-ling hide for fifty cents.

[metalsmoker]

Well, I have recently started to have the same problem. My ball has been using his hides perfectly since I got him, but I fed him 2 days ago and he stays curled up outside of his hide all day, he just lies there. Do you know what may be the cause of this?