If your ball python is hiding all the time, it could be normal. Get down on the floor and look for nooks, crannies, voids, etc. However, that’s not always the case as ball pythons are flexible and might be naturally in that shape. Can't figure out why. Baby Bongo Bumble Bee Ball Python… Your ball python must be alert and relaxed, and lack of tongue flicking can also indicate stress. If you can’t upgrade your snake’s vivarium right away, try to allow your snake out for exercise occasionally. If you notice your ball python being shaky, disoriented and looking up, please take it to a vet. Why do ball pythons seek shelter in the first place? Current weight approximately 90g. Pythons can be difficult to … If your ball python is burying itself or burrowing a lot under substrate or a water dish, it could mean that it’s not feeling secure in its hides or that the cage is too open. This is because it’s part of their exercise. Try to avoid using foggers or misters in a ball python tank, as they will keep humidity high all the time. You can also use scenting trick – wear a piece of clothing for few days and then put it in your ball python’s cage. If your ball python is lifting upper part of its body (‘standing up’), that means that it’s curious or is exploring. I've spent hours researching any possible reason as to why this behavior started. It might be hard to tell if your ball python is sleeping due to lack of eyelids, but with time and observation, it will become easier. So you have to think … In general, young ball pythons tend to be especially defensive and strike. Otherwise, wait for 4-5 feeding to start handling once a week. These cages are built to be as escape-proof as possible. I had him in a small 10 gallon when I first got him but o think he s to big for that and u wanted him to be able to stretch. Nuclear Ball Python – hatchling. If your snake has escaped, we’re here to help. Avoid disturbing your ball python too much during the day. Don’t handle or bother your ball python until it has eaten at least 3-5 times after you bring it home for the first time. Stress can lead to serious health issues. Make sure to also check the temperatures in the cage (use thermometers and an infrared thermometer like this). It can be hard to read your ball python’s behavior. Holes will have to be drilled for ventilation, and you will also have to make sure they are escape-proof. Today we’re sharing with you our best tips and tricks for finding a lost ball python. Ball Pythons are the smallest of the African Pythons. She's obviously stressed. Essentially, shelter is sought because it’s brutally hot in some months of the year depending on the area they’re in. She's obviously stressed. Make sure to get tight hides for your ball python, that have only one opening. If threatened, some pythons roll into a ball and tuck their head in the coils; other python species may try to escape, get into a striking, or “S”-shaped, position, or use their constricting power if grabbed. Although they are not on top of the list of animals that are climbers. You would need to take it out the cage and hold it with confidence. Most ball pythons grow out of it with time and handling. How to Keep Your Pet Snake in its Cage. If your ball python’s cage is made of glass and is large, you should to cover the back and even sides of the cage with a cloth or similar. Thank you for reading this post on ball python behavior types and meaning. Be sure to also get a tight lid for you r tank or cage because ball pythons are likely to escape their enclosure. The ball python more than likely doesn’t mean any harm, it was just trying to escape the humid conditions and find some shelter, that’s all. If your ball python’s cage is made of glass and is large, you should to cover the back and even sides of the cage with a cloth or similar. Not every source is reliable, no matter how professional it may look. She is not taking any offered rats. You would need to review its cage, temperatures, humidity and hides to make sure it’s not being stressed out. She lives in a 15 gallon with a log hideaway, stone water bowl, heat pad on the outside wall, and shredded aspen bedding. My Bearded Dragon Can't Walk or Move Legs - Why? The ball python habitat is stretching from the West African coast to central Africa. Provide at least 2 tight hides – 1 on a cool and 1 on a warm side. Snake in question is roughly 4 years old, and weighs around 1500g. If you do not regularly clean your snake’s home (once a week at least) it can negatively affect the health of your pet. Heated with UTH and radiant heat panel, monitored by a herpistat pro thermostat. However, your ball python might also hiss if it’s annoyed with your actions (if you are pulling it out the hide, handling etc.). If your ball python is striking glass, then it is being defensive. And once the ball python is out of his cage, finding him becomes very difficult as he sneaks away quickly. If your ball python is too active, it might be caused by few things. So when searching for your escaped pet, look down low at the floor level. So, be proactive and make sure your pet is as comfortable as they can be. Now. Other reasons why a ball python might yawn is to gather air particles to ‘smell’ (using Jacobson’s organ) or when shedding or having a respiratory infection. Stress factors can include too much handling, lack of security, unfavorable conditions in the cage, shedding. Please choose digital thermometers and also check spot temperatures with a handheld infrared thermometer like this. Begin with 2-5 minute handling during its active hours, daily or every other day. As difficult as it may be, snakes can generally be found in the house after an escape from their enclosure. She doesn't even seem to notice the food. Ball pythons are shy creatures, and if your ball python is defensive, short (5-10 minutes) handling sessions are better, especially in the beginning. Another reason for constant soaking might be mites. However, ball pythons might also do it if their hide is not safe enough. Make sure to check your temperatures to confirm they are ideal. Our site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for our site to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affilliated sites. They have stout bodies and short stubby tails. Ball pythons may also live in disturbed areas, around human habitations or farms. (If a male, would this be breeding season behavior? If your ball python is hissing, then it is not feeling comfortable or might be seeing you as a threat. But that is actually very wrong. Examine your ball python room. Here’s how to catch an escaped ball python … Ball pythons are not the best climbers in the snake world. If your new ball python is docile, allow at least 3-4 feedings before you start handling it. If your new or hatchling/juvenile ball python is striking or biting, you need to be gentle but firm with it. Although they like to hide during the day, if available to them they will explore their surrounding areas. Temps are 79-81 cool, 86-90 hot, all measured from floor level via probes. If you suspect mites, get rid of any loose substrate, and temporarily move your ball python to a separate simple enclosure. And unhappiness is only the first step. Only when humidity is too low and you can’t increase it, you then can consider using a fogger/mister. Also, if your ball python is new and doesn’t want to be handled, don’t worry and stay patient. Is your ball python’s cage located in a noisy room with many people passing? You can easily access our privacy policy and terms of use. Remember to check as many vidoes, websites, books, etc. You can watch a helpful video below: If your ball python is soaking a lot or all the time, it could be caused by improper tank temperatures, dehydration, mites, lack of security. The black pastel is similar to cinnamon ball pythons in appearance. If it’s any smaller than this, your snake may feel cramped, and constantly try to escape. Hides must be tight, have only one opening and fit your ball python fully. Stay patient and remember that it’s a normal predatory behavior. Also, check for humidity levels and keep them at 55-70%, and up to 80% when shedding.