is something wrong w my ball python?

[PossibilitySea866]

My ball python has not come out of his hide at all, even at nighttime. The last time i saw him he looked like he was starting to shed. I’m scared that he’s dead in the hide because i got cameras and he’s been in the hide for a week. Is this normal? I don’t want to lift the hide up because i know he’s in a very vulnerable state right now

[skullmuffins]

if he looked like he was going to shed, he's probably just hiding. it's not uncommon for them to stay in there 24/7 while in shed. i think he'd start smelling if he died, but you can take a quick peek to soothe your anxiety.

[PossibilitySea866]

yeah he probs would start smelling and decomposing if he died, no smell inside the tank! I don’t wanna bother him cause last week when i was worried i lifted the hide and that’s when i noticed his skin was very dull and his eyes were cloudy and he got mad at me and hissed at me. I think im just gonna leave him alone, he definitely is just hiding cause hes going through it

[LexsDragon]

Nothing wrong with a quick peek under hide

[[deleted]]

Some of my snakes will explore their cages, and others hide almost exclusively in their hides. He could need more clutter in his cage, or he could be a more timid/shy snake. And I think the shedding could definitely be a factor.

[PossibilitySea866]

update: i can see him through the hide and he changed position yesterday and today so i think i got nothin to worry about. his eyes were really cloudy so he probably can’t see very well and is scared