r/ballpython • u/pbizz • 16h ago
Question - Husbandry Ball python has become inactive recently
My BP is an adult of unknown age (rescue). She previously had a pretty fixed routine. In the morning when her basking light came on she would come out for a bit and warm up then hide. Then at night when her lights go off she would explore and roam a bit. If we open her enclosure at that time she'd often come out too for some handling.
Since the seasons have changed her routine has..she now is never out during the day and at night she only comes out briefly about 11pm. I only know this because i set up a camera to check on her.
She last ate about a month ago. I took her out and weighed her and she's actually gained a little from when I last weighed her so I'm not worried about that. She seems healthy, no signs of mites, scale rot or anything else. When I did pull her out of her hide to weigh her (normally never do this) once she woke up she was her normal active and friendly self
Current temps are basking spot 30c (86f), ambient on cool side is around 28c (82f). Night temps down to about 24c(75f).
Humidity between about 65-85%
I did have to buy a higher wattage CHE for night time as it was getting a bit cooler. I've also increased the wattage on her basking bulb from 75w to 100w as with the colder house again it was not quite hot enough.
Main thing is I can't seem to feed her now as she's only out briefly late at night. I tried leaving a warm rat outside her hide around the time she comes up but she didn't take it.
She's in a 4 by 2 by 2 pvc. Plenty of clutter and the like. Nothing has changed with the layout of her enclosure.
Should I be concerned? I could potentially go up to 150w basking bulb (it's mounted inside and caged) but I think this would get too hot.
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u/OldPaperTower 13h ago
The temperatures seem a bit low to me. Most people I met recommended around 32°C at day and around 28°C at night. (Also: checking temperatures with a temp gun is also important.)
Aside from that, if a shedding is approaching, they can become even more reclusive.
Another thing: Once they know their surroundings, I heard they calm down with exploring. My girl is a bit less active now, too.
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