So, you removed the hide for your pleasure, because you couldn't see him? What about HIS needs? He can't tell you what he needs, he has to depend on you to provide that for him.

Not only should he have one hide, he should have two - one on the warm side and one on the cool side of the enclosure.

Ball pythons do not lay out in the open in Africa. By nature they are very shy animals who spend the bulk of their days in termite mounds and rodent burrows. They desire to feel something touching them on all sides to feel safe and secure.

If you were wanting a display snake, a ball python was the wrong choice.