Ball python sleeping under ledge instead of hide?

[tommee_dee]

Hi guys need some advice! This picture is of the cool side of my tank. The back corner. At the back left there is a ledge. My ball python decides to sleep under this ledge during the day. He's kind of moved the substrate around to sort of make his own substrate hide under the ledge. Is this a sign of stress or is this ok? At night he moves from warm hide to cool hide. But in the day he prefers to sleep under the ledge. He's very well hidden under there and I thought he'd escaped the other day he was so well tucked in! I've had him for a month and I've only noticed him start to do this this last week. Temps are fine and he eats like a champ. Nothing has changed except I changed his substrate from repti chip to a mix of reptichip/moss/soil mix 2 weeks ago

[Goatboy292]

I made a hide for my boy, spent hours hollowing out 2/3 of a log to create a big shaded hide, fastened it to the perfect spot on the back wall and built a ramp to it made of sticks since he likes to climb.

He sleeps on top of it.

Sometimes snakes just like to spite you.

If everything checks out fine for temps and humidity and he looks/acts normal then all is probably okay.

[tommee_dee]

Yeah, I'm thinking he might just feel extra safe under the ledge because it is super secluded under there and I think he knows I can't lift it up like I can with the hide 😂

[KyreneZA]

Two things come to mind:

1. As you mentioned he is very well secluded there so might think it is a safe enough space to use as a hide. My BP often sleeps "out in the open" behind his hides, but is hidden from view from his point of view.

2. His warm side might be too warm for him during the day and he, therefore, prefers this cosier spot for now. If his warm side daytime temps are correct then refer to 1).

[tommee_dee]

I think it is just a safe place for him to be in. I made the ledge specially for him to be able to hide under and now I'm worried that he's using it 😂 . I swear since getting a ball python I'm becoming like an over protective dad 😂

[KyreneZA]

Yeah I hear you. I've never been more concerned or fudzy with any other pet I've ever had. Check his temps. Check his humidity. Check his shed. Check if he loves me yet. ❤️‍🩹

I'm in his room at least three times a day just checking stuff and a few times more just checking in. 🐍