Ball python intent on escaping?

Question

I recently just got my baby ball python about a week ago, and so far he's adapted amazingly to his new home. He even a hopper mouse today without any pickiness. However he seems intent on running his nose up and down the sides of the glass in his cage and on the mesh of the lid of the enclosure. He's been doing this non-stop.

Will this hurt my snake?

And will he learn in time that there is glass there?

I've tried to put cardboard in the way, so it's not clear, but he keeps trying.

Is there anything else I can do?

Answer 1

Yes, he could injure himself by rubbing his nose and head on the screen (Google "snake nose rub" and you'll see what I mean). If he's already broken skin, you can apply some antibiotic gel or cream to prevent infection and promote healing. Injuries such as these usually fade away after a few sheds.

Aside from changing the housing entirely, have you tried offering him a hiding spot in the tank? Balls like tight fitting spaces to squeeze into. It makes them feel comfortable and safe. If you've got a small box (shoe box, small cereal box, tissue box, etc.) that he could snugly fit inside, you could incorporate it into his enclosure. If he's feeling secure, he shouldn't be attempting to escape (as much, anyway).

Answer 2

he wants to get out and be held more. And he wants to climb baby/young ones love to climb I had the same problem.

Answer 3

all snakes are excellent escape artists, especially ball pythons. ALL my ball pythons do this. and they are not stressed what so ever. they just look to see if they can get out. this is most common in newly acquired snakes that are in a new home. he just wants to see if you made a mistake with the locks :)

he will soon do this less and less.

good luck!

Answer 4

Snakes usually do that because either,

A. They are stressed

B. They are ready to shed.



My snake does it a lot but usually it means nothing. But i think you would check if the temp. is right. Also do you have anything on his cage? Like bricks? You need to do something to make sure the enclosure is secure, because they ARE MUCH stronger than they look. You can use books for now but you should get clamps they work better.... I hope this helps and there should be nothing to worry about =D

Oh by the way ball pythons are nocturnal!

Answer 5

To answer your questions:

Yes, this will hurt your snake. It could rub the end of its nose off.

Aquariums with removable tops are NOT escape proof. You should invest in an actual snake cage.

Snakes are neither happy nor unhappy with their environment; most tolerate captivity.

Here are the three main reasons that a snake might be unusually restless;

-No adequate hiding place- ball pythons need small, TIGHT hideouts.

-Hungry

-Too warm

Notice that "he wants to get out and be held more" is not on the list. Snakes do not "like" to be held, although most tolerate it.

And, when snakes go opaque (about to shed) they become LESS active, not more active.

Answer 6

It shouldn't harm him and he should stop pretty soon.

But all pythons and really all snakes in general are masterful escape artists so you always have to be careful and make sure you have a locking lid.

Answer 7

Ball Pythons are always trying to escape at night.  They are just exploring their tank, my BP Stan is very happy in his home, not stressed at all, but at night he still tries to find an escape route.  Its a good step to cover the sides and back with cardboard, this will be good for your BP.  They can rub enough that they get a little raw but he won't really hurt himself.  

Answer 8

No, he's fine.

Mine does that too, and its usually because she wants out. Generally, she does it later at night (when the sun is down and the blinds are closed). Like right now, she's poking at the top of her enclosure.

I've found that it makes her content to handle her for about an hour and then let her go back into her enclosure. I'm sure she pokes around when we're sleeping (ball pythons are nocturnal), but she's fine otherwise.

Make super sure that the enclosure is push proof. My first enclosure for her lifted up JUST a little on one side, and I figured she'd never be able to push it up AND escape. Well, I found myself corrected when I came home from work and she was inside the cabinets.

Congratulations on your new snake!