ball prefers cooler part of cage?

[kazoopython]

Why does my ball prefer the part of the tank that runs from 70-80 degrees rather than the side with temps of 80-95? I've even changed the hide boxes thinking he might prefer one over the other. I've only had him for two weeks now and he hasn't eaten yet. Today it appears he's going to be starting his shed soon. Temps are both ambient air and infrared surface temps. Should this be a concern?

Eric

[greenman1867]

LOL I was planning on asking the same question. Only one of my BP's uses the cool side constantly, but it was starting to bug me.

Thanks for asking.

Shawn

[zero&stich]

If you only have had it 2 weeks, give it time. It will eat when its ready, provided it was a CB animal and all specifics are met.

As for switching sides, these animals are nocturnal. Also if you only have 1 hide, they will choose security above all else over heat.

My theory is it's still adjusting to its enclosure and handling should cease and resist until is has fed for you at least 2x imo.

If its getting ready to shed, then most times any snake will refuse food. I had one of mine shed, then went on a 3 week fast before it ate for me again.

Currently, they are up to 4 months or so with small meals in between for the fast.

[Spirit]

It's surprising that he's going into a shed, and chosing the cool side... do you have a humid hide, or is the overall humidity low in the viv?

Some snakes won't eat during a shed, but they also won't eat if the temps are too low.

Snakes in general get very stressed out both during shed and when placed in a new home, but most of all royals. My advise would be to cover the front and sides of the tank with a towel or something (allow ventillation) and leave it COMPLETELY alone for a couple days. When he feels that it's safe to do so, he'll move over to the warm side when he needs to warm up.

LOL greenman! Mine has been doign the same thing since he shed... cool side, on top of the hide. It drove me insane to see him in the EXACT same spot this morning as he was last night, but sure enough... once the sun came out, he moved over to his warm hide. ;)

[mykee]

80-95? I certainly hope you mean 90-95.

[kazoopython]

mykee,
My warmer side is up to 95-100.

zero&stich

It's difficult to resist holding him. My 6yr old is excellent with him. He finds his neck or inside his shirt right away. He isn't skittish at all. Basically he is very curious and seems to enjoy being held. We've left him alone for days at a time without him eating. I do appreciate the info/advice. He has been a far better pet than what I had expected.

Eric

[Tim_Cranwill]

That's why he's on the cool end. The hot end is a bit too hot. Shoot for 92F (90-95). :)

[kazoopython]

Tim,
Even at 90-95 he prefers the cooler end. When the temps were 120 degrees he wouldn't leave that area. Cannot figure the little guy out.

Eric

[Jeff_Favelle]

120 degrees????????????? Are you serious?


:(

[Vengeance]

Maybe the question to ask at this point is How are you measureing the temps?

[Artemis]

Wow. That would explain the cooler side thing. 120 is WAY too hot. And ditto to what vengeance said!

I once inadvertently hit 102 while callibrating a new rheostat. I felt bad about it but I figured it must get that hot for a little while once in a while in the african grasslands. And I fixed it immediately!

O.P. Recheck your temps and get em perfect. Quickly. Thats probably the most important factor in keeping a healthy BP. Dont EVER let any side of the enlclosure get below 75 or above 95, and maintain a gradient. Since you are new to snake keeping, check out this Caresheet if you have not already: (or perhaps even if you have, a refresh couldnt hurt).

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=49236

Artemis.

[Artemis]

Sorry for the double post, but I found the answer to V's question.
Originally posted by kazoopython
I just bought a digital infrared surface thermometer and was shocked to find some areas of my cage reached 120 degrees. The "stick-on" thermometer read only 90. I felt horrible. no pink scales though.

I am using a heat pad and a heat lamp now just to keep my temps over 70-75 degrees. I wish I could get better control of the temps.

Eric

At least we have digi thermom now. thats going to help! Now get those temps right, or if you cannot get that done ASAP (like today!) take the BP back to someone who can (place he was purchased) until you can get your enclosure set up properly!

[honduranfreekk]

The best temps and the PROPER temps to keep your ball python at are 80 TO 85 amb and 90 TO 95 Hot spot NO higher.
If you can keep your enclosure at these temps then you should have NO problem keeping your ball python Healthy and HAPPY for the rest of its life;)
I would also agrea 100% with buying a GOOD book on ball python care.

Kelvin@Brigitte

[kazoopython]

Jeff,
Yeah I felt terrible about the 120 degrees. I bought a digital surface infrared thermometer and thats how I found out about the high temp. I was pretty shocked.

My temps now are 75-95 (ambient and surface) so I think I have a good set up. After holding him I try to have enter the warmer hide but he leaves it immediately for the cooler one.

Eric

[Jeff_Favelle]

Try for 80F ambient, and yes, your setup is MILES better now! All part of the learning curve.