Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have my first pet ball python, I only had him since Saturday and he hasn't been drinking at all. The first day he moved around a lot exploring his new home (tank) but since then has just been lying in a ball in a hiding spot and hasn't come out to drink water yet. I'm sure its completely normal, but I just wanted to double check anyway.

How do you know he isn't drinking?

And, yes, I would think it is fairly normal. Especially if you are maintaining the humidity at or above 50%, he won't need to drink often. I only actually see my snakes drink after they have just eaten a particularly large meal.
-----
Lincoln, NE
0.1 Pastel, 1.0 Pastel het Pied, 0.1 Pied, 0.1 Cinn, 1.0 Black Pewter, 1.0 Woma (hidden gene?), 0.1 Yellowbelly
2.0 Normals, 1.0 Thayeri, 0.1 Thayeri X Alterna, 0.1 crazy cat, 1.0 husband

There shouldn't be to many posts on this subject because I believe the previous person nailed it. Like he said most of the time they only drink after a meal. Also ball pythons are nocturnal. If you want to see him move around and possibly drink then wait until you turn off his cage light at night. You may want to buy on of those night bulbs for heating purposes at night and it gives you some kind of light to view them. Other than that your pet is going to be curled up in a ball in its hide spot all day unless you get it out and handle it or feed it.

i've only seen my ball drink of a few occasions, once after a meal, and once after a water change. thats twice in the years I have owned them.. i'm sure you just arent seeing him do it.
-----
This is courage.. to bear unflinching what heaven sends. -unknown

1.0 Basset Hound (Capone)
1.1 cats (San Quinton and Gracie)

I agree...The only time I ever see my snakes take a drink is right after I change the water.

Regards,
Bill
-----
2.1 Tripple Het Caramel, Orange Ghost, Genetic Stripe
1.0 Honeybee
1.1 Het Lavenders
1.1 Het Caramel Albino
0.1 Het Albino
0.1 Spider Het Albino
0.1 Het Pied
1,1 Pastel Het for Orange Ghost
1.0 Albino
0.1 Spinner
1.1 Super Pastel
0.1 Jungle Pastel
1.0 Pied 50 percent White
0.1 Clown
0.3 Normal
1.1 Kids (9) and (16)
0.1 Spouse (22 Years Married)
1.0 Chocolate Lab