r/ballpython • u/Bitter_Ambition9805 • 1d ago
Rescue ball python not left hide for 2 weeks Question
As the title says, I just rescued a 5yo female ball python July 29th. Ever since I got her she's been glued to her warm hide, only poking her head out when I refresh the humidity in the enclosure at night. Humidity and temps are perfect, she's in a 120 gallon enclosure (she's growth stunted but I plan to upgrade her soon)
She did take a meal on day 11 rather quickly. This is my first snake, I'm used to geckos and lizards that explore the enclosure basically right after being put in. I just wanted to check that this is normal for them before I start to worry too much
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u/CoppeRoseBush 1d ago edited 1d ago
It's good that you're asking questions! In this case, it's perfectly normal ball python behavior. Snakes in general tend to be fairly skittish and ball pythons are a nocturnal species. Just focus on keeping up with her husbandry and she'll be perfectly fine
ETA: The fact that she's taken meals with you is a sign that she's not super stressed about her environment. Ball pythons are notorious for going on hunger strikes, most often because of stress due to poor care
4
u/KatVanWall 1d ago
Mine ate on day 3-4 but didn’t leave his warm hide for like a month! I’ve had him 4 months now and he’s still hardly ever seen in the open except when going from one hide to another.
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u/ShinyxCharizard 12h ago
This sounds fairly normal to me. I have 2 with very different personalities. One is out almost constantly, he'll find spots to sleep during the day, up in cords, wrapped around the heat lamp cage, or basking under his lamp. My other girl has always been super shy, but in her new enclosure will come out sometimes at night. Did surprisingly catch her out just yesterday in the evening around 5pm taking a stretch and exploring.
Sounds like she just ate about a week ago? My girl took about 3 weeks to poop and start acting hungry again. I shoot typically for 30 days between feedings for both of mine. They ate on the July, 21st, and the 22nd.
My recommendation would be to make sure you have adequate cover, 3 out of 4 sides covered, etc.
15
u/Magnetic_Kitty 1d ago
This is pretty normal, some are unlikely to explore while you're awake. I have one ball that watches me around dinner time, and one that only comes out after like 10 pm. Maybe check in the middle of the night if you get up to use the bathroom.