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Why is my ball python always hiding? Is it humidity or substrate?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I have a new Ball Python that eats allright, but it stays in it's hide all the time, day and night. I keep the temperature gradient consistant. The hide is the black square with a hole in one end. I feed him in a separate clear habitat. The substrate is aspen bedding wich, consists of perfectly square 3mm pieces that stick to every thing it comes in contact withincluding the snake wich is covered. I have to mist more than seven times a day to keep the humidity above 40%. One quart at a time.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on May 1st, 2018

Once he acclimates to his new home, he may become more active. Ball pythons are mostly nocturnal also, so if the room is bright he may seek dark spots and come out at dusk or overnight. Keep a large bowl of water in the tank. A deep layer of porous substrate may hold moisture longer. You can even add some moss. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity. If it's too high, you can predispose your python to respiratory infection.

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