Odd behavior

Syphon · 07-02-19, 07:09 PM

I recently just got a baby boa constrictor, who for the most part has been behaving normally. The one thing that is concerning me, is that she shoves herself into a specific corner of her tank instead of hiding in one of her 2 hides. She has 1 hide on the hot side and 1 on the cool side, but she insists on shoving herself between her hide and the corner and she stays there, even during the day. The first day and a half she switched between staying in the corner and exploring but now she just stays there. Her hot spot is about 88F and the ambient temp is about 85F to 75F hot to cool. Temps are controlled with thermostats, humidity stays around 60%. She’s in a 20 gallon, and is on a mix of eco earth and cypress mulch. Is there any reason for this strange behavior?? Why won’t she use her hides?? And should I be worried or is she just stressed?

craigafrechette · 07-03-19, 07:44 AM

Are the hides fairly tight fitting?
If the hides are too big they may not be recognized as "hides". Also, what style hides are they?

Syphon · 07-03-19, 07:52 AM

The hides are relatively small, small enough to be a good fit for her, one is a half log, the other is more like a rock cave (made of some kind of plastic). She did use the half log somewhat since I’ve had her, just not nearly as much as I would’ve thought

MnGuy · 07-03-19, 11:25 AM

Snakes like hides that are enclosed except for one opening. My two garters almost never use their half-log. Your snake could also just prefer being squeezed in a corner, although I’d strongly suggest offering at least two and maybe three hides that are completely enclosed except for the one entrance.

I'd also suggest adding ground "cover" like live or plastic plants between the hides so the snake feels secure moving around the tank. Two hides on either side of an otherwise empty tank can still be intimidating for snakes. I scatter "open" hides around my tank like plastic plants and driftwood pieces.

Snakes have their preferences. One of my garters is out all of the time exploring and watching me, and the other hides all day.

Good luck.

**EL Ziggy** · 07-03-19, 12:52 PM

I'm not a fan of the half log hides either and I agree that snug fitting fully enclosed hides with one opening are better. As previously stated some snakes naturally hide more than others and some prefer to stay out in the open. I have a few snakes that only use their hides when they're prepping for a shed or digesting a large meal. As long as your temps are in range I wouldn't worry. They'll thermoregulate themselves accordingly.

Syphon · 07-03-19, 07:23 PM

I just added a huge plastic vine, and I’ll work on replacing the half log. Otherwise she seems normal thanks for the help!

richardhind · 07-04-19, 02:24 AM

Half of my boas never use there hides and just chill in the corner and at the front of the glass, some only use them when in shed as already stated, a couple of my boas have loved there half logs especially when they was smaller
snakes are all so different.
you should be glad you get to see your snake on show,some people only get to see a nose at a push or after lights out

Syphon · 07-04-19, 08:17 AM

I am very glad to see her all the time, I’m just not used to seeing a reptile out in plain sight so much. I also just noticed yesterday evening that she is about to shed, I couldn’t tell earlier because her morph colors are a light silvery grey, so I didn’t realize she was paler until I saw her eye caps all milky, so hopefully she’ll shed soon. Thanks so much! I’m just paranoid because I’ve never had a boa and she behaves so differently from my other reptiles (I love the difference tho)

richardhind · 07-05-19, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syphon

I am very glad to see her all the time, I’m just not used to seeing a reptile out in plain sight so much. I also just noticed yesterday evening that she is about to shed, I couldn’t tell earlier because her morph colors are a light silvery grey, so I didn’t realize she was paler until I saw her eye caps all milky, so hopefully she’ll shed soon. Thanks so much! I’m just paranoid because I’ve never had a boa and she behaves so differently from my other reptiles (I love the difference tho)

im really glad your enjoying your boa, they really are great fun,they seem to have loads of character and inquisitive too and very rarely miss a feed.
whats not too love