Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK. So I have my 10 month old ball python in a nice ten gallon tank, shredded aspen bedding, UTH, blacklight heat lamp on the same side as the UTH, two hiding places (one over the UTH and one not), water dish surrounded by damp moss to keep the humidity up.

Temperature reads 87 degrees under the heat lamp, 78 degrees on the other end. Humidity generally between 60-70%.

He came from a reputable breeder and has a solid feeding history. He has eaten once since we got him two weeks ago, and is due for another feeding tonight (last one was ten days ago, no problem).

Lately, he has taken to burrowing and hiding under his water dish on the cool side of the tank, spilling water all over the area under the water dish in the process.

So now he spends most of his time in the cold dampness under his water dish. When I pick him up, he is wet (from the water/dempness) and cold to the touch.

Is this OK? I am worried about scale rot, although no signs of it yet.

Any thoughts as to whether my concerns are misplaced (I mean, he ought to know what makes him feel comfortable, no?)

Instead of placing the waterbowl on the substrate, clear away the substrate and place the water bowl directly on the tank floor. Move the substrate around the bowl and your burrowing under the waterbowl problems should go away.

Ron

Good advice . . .

But I can't help wondering -- if this is what he chooses to do, shoudln't I assume that he knows what works best for him?

I had always understaood that ball pythons tend to seek out warmth. But personally, if it makes him happy to be cold and damp under the water dish, I don't have a problem with it. That is, unless this behavior is harmful to his health.

Is this behavior really unsafe for him? Is scale rot a legitimate concern here? Is it like he's addicted to some self-destructive behavior, sort of like being a smoker, and needs to be forced to stop?

Any thoughts about what might be driving this behavior?

In general I agree that they should know what's best for them. A question.......is it about to go into a shed? This will cause it to seek out a wet spot elsewhere if the water bowl isn't large enough, which if left to long could be detrimental to it's health. And, no offense, but if there isn't enough dry area for it to go to this may also contribute to the situation. Whatever the reason, if it has developed scale rot, there needs to be some intervention for the health of the snake. It will kill it if it's not attended to, and from my own negligence (sp) I know this to be true.

Quig

No -- he hasn't developed scale rot (yet). This behavior is a few days old.

The breeder said he ought to be due for a shed, although i haven't seen any evidence of that yet.

I have a problem keeping the substrate dry now, because he gets all wet and then crawls around, with the result that even when he goets into a dry spot (like the hide box under the heating lamp), the substrate gets all damp.

It's been my expereince that snakes that try to get under their water dish are either seeking a cool area or do not like thier hide. Try providing a smaller, tighter hide for your guy the tighter the fit the more secure they are. Also, you might try finding one of those dog dish water bowls that you can cut the side out of and he can use as a hide and water dish.
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Tosha

8.15.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and currently un-named)
1.0.0 Angolan Python
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope)
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.3 Lizards rescued from pool skimmer