Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have lurked on this site for about 6 months before I bought my first ball. I finally set up my cages and purchased a CBB ball from a Dallas show 8/2/03. I have learned a ton from reading the previous posts. I have a question that I did not see addressed in the previous posts. My female is 74 grams and is feeding on live hoppers. She ate on 8/8 and 8/15. For the last two days she has been in the water dish. The temperature and humidity levels are acceptable. Is this behavior "normal"?

Also, when should I anticipate her first shed?

Thanks so much.

Bill

Re:
"The temperature and humidity levels are acceptable. Is this behavior "normal"?"

If temps and humidity are correct, then she may be using the water bowl as a hide, they like to feel secure and cram themselves in the bowl.

I would not allow her to constantly soak, this could bring on other problems if the snake is CONSTANTLY soaking.

Hi Bill –

Welcome. I’m glad you got a CBB baby. You didn’t say if you had definitely ruled out mites. If you’ve been lurking all this time then you probably know what to look for. If not, just ask.

Also, what is the temperature gradient in the cage. And are you offering a nice low-to-the-ground and tight fitting hide container, something like the one pictured below (only smaller)?

If you maintain your once a week feeding schedule, she should shed every six to eight weeks.

-Joan

You’re in Texas. Its hot. You have the air conditioning running which lowers the humidity way down. It’s just about time for the python’s next shed, so she’s seeking extra moisture by soaking in her bowl. Is she opaque - color darker, belly pinkish, then eyes cloudy?

Also, you asked when the python's "first" shed was. That's usually 10-12 days after hatching.

I just got out the temp gun and the ambient room temperature is 80. The hot spot is at 95 and the cool side with the water bowl is 76 degrees. I recently changed from one large hide to two smaller hides that fit her small size better (one on the warm side, and one on the cool). The hydrometer reads 65% humidity. I know that the A/C has been on which dries out the air, but I have set up a separate room with a higher temp than the rest of the house. I have looked her over closely for mites, and use a bright red water bowl so I should see something if she has mites. Her eyes do not look cloudy yet.

I know, I am probably worrying too much as new parents often do. Thanks for your insight.

Bill

Well, everything sounds about right. I’d back off the hot spot a little, maybe. My ball pythons shun temps as high as 95 unless they’re gravid. Also, it’s easiest to see mites in white or light-colored water bowls. The blood-engorged ones which fall off in the water look like poppy seeds.

Relief from high temperatures, seeking security, seeking relief from mites – these are the most common reasons for snakes in general being continually in the water bowl. Occasionally, if the ambient room temperature gets above 85 some of my colubrids try to cram into their water dishes. I just never see my ball pythons doing this - hatchlings or adults.

-Joan

Joan,
I think I have mites. EEKS!! I saw a small pinhead size one. I have now disinfected the cage included all hides, bowls, etc., cleaned and vacuumed the room. I am going to use newspaper for the next couple of weeks to see if I have this problem licked. Any other mite killing insight would be appreciated. I can't believe how panicked I am. Oh the joys of fatherhood.

Bill

Sounds like a plan. And if you only have that one snake and you keep after it, maybe you’ll eradicate those mites (and their succeeding generations) with just frequent rigorous cleaning. Meanwhile, I’d suggest going to the Search Function, typing in “mites”, and having a good read. Then you'll be prepared to go to Plan B if necessary. Good luck.

-Joan