Umm...Question...

Jakesgirl · 11-27-12, 11:33 AM

So I've have my BP for almost a week. In fact, it will be a week tomorrow. he's been fine, and seems to have settled in well. Usually by morning he is in his hide sleeping, and comes out around 6-7pm. But I got up this morning at 11am, and he's still awake. He's all over his cage. Climbing all over his hide and his branches, investigating the glass, he's all over the place. Not like a frenzy or anything, he just won't go to sleep. Why? ((Please be kind, this is my first snake and I love him, so of coarse I am going to worry when I spot odd behavior))

Jakesgirl · 11-27-12, 11:40 AM

I guess I should give a little more information. No, he isn't stargazing, no signs of respiratory infection, no mites, temps and humidity are fine. He's just overly active, more than usual, and he keeps poking at the lid of his cage. :/ I opened the lid and he came right to me. Which is also odd. Maybe he's hungry?

**lady_bug87** · 11-27-12, 12:06 PM

Have you attempted to feed him yet? He could be hungry, or he could just be wandering mine sometimes makes daytime appearances ... Also check for poop.

If my bp has a bowel movement he leaves his hide until I clean it. I guess even he can't stand his own stench

infernalis · 11-27-12, 12:10 PM

My BP is usually most active when he wants a rat.

So I would be inclined to think it's hungry.

Another issue often overlooked is that if the conditions inside the cage are off, this could be a sign that the snake is seeking a more suitable environment.

Those are the two most likely issues causing this.

MoreliAddict · 11-27-12, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakesgirl

I guess I should give a little more information. No, he isn't stargazing, no signs of respiratory infection, no mites, temps and humidity are fine. He's just overly active, more than usual, and he keeps poking at the lid of his cage. :/ I opened the lid and he came right to me. Which is also odd. Maybe he's hungry?

What are the temps in the cage? I'm assuming this snake has a hot & a cool side?? What type of enclosure are you keeping it in? What are you using to heat it? Pics of the enclosure could help too.

Sounds to me like the snake is hungry, or your husbandry is off...

A typical Ball Python will hide through the day, and maybe sneak around the enclosure a bit at night..

Jakesgirl · 11-27-12, 12:26 PM

Temp ranges between 90-95 on warm side and 80-85 on cool side. Cage is thick plastic, not glass. Because I was told the plastic holds humidity better. Humidity ranges between 50-55 depending how warm container is. I let him out for a bit, and he seems to want to explore. Going to try feeding him tonight, as he's scheduled to be fed tomorrow. I'm thinking you're right, he's probably hungry. As his tongue is going constantly.

Jakesgirl · 11-27-12, 12:28 PM

He has climbing branches, a spacious container, two hides (one on warm one on cool), and a decent sized water dish to drink or cool off. I give him fresh water daily. And I heat his container with a heat pad. Container is positioned so he can get a bit of sunlight on warm side during the day.

MoreliAddict · 11-27-12, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakesgirl

Temp ranges between 90-95 on warm side and 80-85 on cool side. Cage is thick plastic, not glass. Because I was told the plastic holds humidity better. Humidity ranges between 50-55 depending how warm container is. I let him out for a bit, and he seems to want to explore. Going to try feeding him tonight, as he's scheduled to be fed tomorrow. I'm thinking you're right, he's probably hungry. As his tongue is going constantly.

Another indication that he's hungry.

Fingers crossed for a successful feeding...

Jakesgirl · 11-27-12, 12:39 PM

I hope so! That eases my mind that he's hungry, means he's adjusting well, doesn't it? Will be my first feeding. Bought gloves already, and was thinking of "editing" a shoebox for his feed, since I have been told it's best to not feed him in his container.

**Aaron_S** · 11-27-12, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakesgirl

I hope so! That eases my mind that he's hungry, means he's adjusting well, doesn't it? Will be my first feeding. Bought gloves already, and was thinking of "editing" a shoebox for his feed, since I have been told it's best to not feed him in his container.

Stop listening to whoever told you that advice.

It'll be fine to feed him in it's enclosure. I would also recommend tongs or hemostats.

jarich · 11-27-12, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakesgirl

I hope so! That eases my mind that he's hungry, means he's adjusting well, doesn't it? Will be my first feeding. Bought gloves already, and was thinking of "editing" a shoebox for his feed, since I have been told it's best to not feed him in his container.

Thats one of those weird things that still gets passed around but isnt true. There is no need to take him out to feed him, and it can actually cause unnecessary stress. Just feed him in his normal enclosure.

MoreliAddict · 11-27-12, 12:51 PM

I also suggest that you feed the snake inside of its regular enclosure...

KORBIN5895 · 11-27-12, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Stop listening to whoever told you that advice.

It'll be fine to feed him in it's enclosure. I would also recommend tongs or hemostats.

Forget the tongs and just toss it in. Not all snakes will eat a dead rat just lying there but it's way easier to feed them once they are used to it.

Jakesgirl · 11-27-12, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Stop listening to whoever told you that advice.

It'll be fine to feed him in it's enclosure. I would also recommend tongs or hemostats.

Ok, that's good. I was worried about that. I know you aren't really supposed to handle them after feeding because it can damage their internal organs, so I was trying to figure out how I was going to swing that. But I have a pair of tongs specifically for him.

And thanks for the advice. I'm new to this, and want to make sure I give him the best care possible. I know they live for a long time if cared for properly, and I want my Jake to be with me as long as possible.

Jakesgirl · 11-27-12, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

Forget the tongs and just toss it in. Not all snakes will eat a dead rat just lying there but it's way easier to feed them once they are used to it.

I was worried about doing that, because he has shavings in the bottom of his cage, and I was scared it might stick to the mouse and he could swallow it. I know, I'm paranoid.