Why is my ball python always hiding? Is it humidity or substrate?

Thanks for reaching out about Diablo. As long as still eating, defecating and acting normal, there is minimal concerns. Is he hanging out in the water bowl? This could be an indication of a parasitic enteritis. If still worried, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic plan. Good luck.

Any new pet should be examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours of arriving home to confirm good health or to treat any preexisting conditions. If she is having difficulty breathing, she should be seen sooner rather than later in case she has or is developing a respiratory infection. Monitor for lethargy or discharge from the nose or mouth. Increase humidity or soak in warm water to facilitate shedding. You can also use commercial shed sprays that can be purchased online or in most pet stores. Follow this link for more information regarding care of ball pythons: http://www.anapsid.org/ball.html

Spider Balls are known to have a head wobble. Typically, it is mild and does not affect overall health or quality of life. This may be contributing to his behavior. IBD can be tricky to diagnose and you'll need an experienced herp veterinarian to confirm it. Monitor for persistent or worsening symptoms and then have him examined or have him examined sooner for peace of mind.

Increase air flow in the enclosure. You can use a small fan to blow over the cage or in the room. A sack (or sock) filled with plain, uncooked rice can also help decrease humidity. Hang it where your python cannot reach it. You can also use a small water bowl in the cage.

It may be a combination of being in a small cage and a new environment. Ball pythons are notorious for not eating if stressed. Make sure the temperature is correct also. A cold snake will not eat. Wait a few days, then offer a pinkie at dusk of in the evening. Gently tap her nose to elicit a strike. Cover the cage for more privacy/security. You can also try scenting the pinkie with some used gerbil bedding. Ask the local pet store if you can have some from the gerbil cages.

Check the temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect activity in reptiles. Survey the area around her cage for any negative stimuli. Reduce or eliminate them if possible. Corn snakes are mostly nocturnal, so she may be more active when you are sleeping.

Hi, Yes this could be normal. Please check him for mites (little parasites that may look like little red dots moving around). If you cannot see many, and assuming that Pie is eating well and shedding regularly there is no cause for concern.