How do I judge Comfort??

[aj.gladding]

I just bought my ball python about 5 days ago. This is my first snake so I dont know much yet, ive just been doing a bunch of reading. My problem is that I cant get my terrarium to the right temps or humidity level so im constantly making adjustments in the terrarium. Sometime the python will ball up in a corner or stay in what i would consider an awkward position for hours before he moves. Is this change causing him stress?? Should I just leave him be? Is this going to effect his feeding??

Thks, alex

[butters!]

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=59

[simplechamp]

what heating method do you use? are you using a thermostat or dimmer? what do you use for humidity? what are you using to measure temps and humidity?

what you consider awkward might not be awkward for a BP. Is it coiled, balled up tight, or laying straight? expand more on why you think it's awkward. Do you provide one or two hiding places? I have heard from others here that if the BP isn't staying in its hides during the day it is a sign of stress.

fluctuating temps will cause stress more than fluctuating humidity, so focus on getting your temps stable first, then work on humidity. big temp changes could cause undue stress and affect your BPs eating habits so if you don't have a thermostat I would get one ASAP, dimmers work but you'll still be adjusting often.

[aj.gladding]

Well right now I have him in a 7.5 g temp tank. Inside the tank i have a thermostat and hagrometer. During the day im keeping it at about 85-90, at night more around 80. Im using a homemade humidifier, but I cant get it over 50%, even in this small tank. For now he only has one hide spot. Im just worried that he might be stressed. right now he is in a really tight ball with his head tucked under his body by the water.

[butters!]

you did not answer some of the questions asked.to me it sounds like your using a heat lamp

[simplechamp]

You have a thermostat in the tank, or a thermometer? A thermostat controls heating devices, a thermometer measures temperatures. I don't know of any thermostats that should be in the tank, but I think you mean to say you have a thermometer and hygrometer?

If you are measuring ambient air temps, 85-90 during the day is too hot, you want it around 80-85 ambient air, 82 cool side substrate temp, 92 warm side substrate temp (this is where the BPs belly touches). You will need a probe or IR thermometer to measure this accurately.

What is this homemade humidifier consist of? 50% should be alright, but during sheds you'll need to bump it up to 70% or so.

Head tucked into a tight ball means he is scared and stressed. That is their defense mechanism from predators, and is why they are called ball pythons. They roll up real tight and protect their head. A new BP may do this when touched or bothered, but should un-ball if left alone for a bit. If he is doing this for extended periods something may be wrong. Is the setup in a high traffic area? are you in his enclosure fussing with things or trying to handle too often? If he is left alone he should un-ball and go coil in the hide.

Since you got him 5 days ago he should be settling in pretty quick and not be as stressed. Try leaving him alone for awhile (1-2 weeks), no contact except quick visual inspections and mandatory water changes and cleanings.

[aj.gladding]

HE ATE!!!!!!!!!! I thought he wouldnt go for it but he ate a fuzzy! It took about 45 minutes, and he ate it butt first. But at least i know he will eat now.