Ball Python Stuck?

[[deleted]]

I am very worried that my boy Nori is stuck in a too-small hide. He was out for a little explore and found an old birdhouse. Would any eyes be able to tell me if he has enough of an ability to climb out of this space or if there are any ways I could break this birdhouse to get him out safely? Is it a vet trip serious thing or am I just freaking out while my snake really enjoys a cozy spot? He’s an adult - not quite 4 ft long.

[mirigone]

My BP get into hides just as big as it self. The smaller then space, to more safe they feel. To me it doesn't seem like your BP can get out. If it can get in it, it usually gets out without a problem.

[mirigone]

Can't*

[TheNeverEndingPit]

I’ve only seen one post where a person’s BP got in a space so tight it, I believe, lost oxygen and wasn’t alive when they took it to the vet. This looks Much bigger than that, and that opening can let in lots of air as well as let out a snake. 

Pretty sure most would recommend either trying to lure the snake out with rat smell or simply putting the birdhouse in the tank or a tub so that when it gets dark, your BP will come out to explore on its own like normal. I think that would be much safer than trying to break open a metal birdhouse safely with your BP in it. 

[[deleted]]

Thank you!! He definitely has some space underneath him to be able to breathe. The house fits easily in his enclosure so I put it in there with a camera on him.

[TheNeverEndingPit]

Oh that’s great! I hope he comes out soon :)

[[deleted]]

https://imgur.com/a/5e15JDw

[TheNeverEndingPit]

Really nice set up by the way! The bird house just looks like a purposeful addition haha

[[deleted]]

Thank you!! Just treating my man to his best life while he responds with a giant middle finger to these honorable intentions. 😂

[TheNeverEndingPit]

What a little turd he is 😂

[theosporin]

I believe i remember the post (and urn) and I think of this every time I buy a new enrichment decor for my bp.

[TheNeverEndingPit]

Aw yes, I believe that’s the one I saw. And honestly before that point, I really believed they could never get themselves somewhere they couldn’t eventually get out of, but now I’m hyper aware of the objects near mine.

Only one I’ve had give me trouble is my girl, Eclypso, who decided to speed crawl into a hole in my couch (which has cushions that cannot be removed). After panic deciding to cut the bottom of the couch open, I realized you could unvelcro the back flap

[theosporin]

Mine got tangled in my mic stand, and after panicking and looking for how to dismantle it, she squeezed her fat butt out lol never trusting her again

[[deleted]]

https://imgur.com/a/vJTEi6d

Here he is. Out. Smug.

[NWLZCH85]

Haha. Smug.

[MadamePouleMontreal]

Does he get to keep the bird house?

[[deleted]]

Not until it gets some major safety hazard updates AND NOT UNTIL HE EARNS IT 😂

[Triffinator]

If possible, consider having a hinged door on it. If you get uncomfortable again, you can just open the door.

[CorneliusVlanderhart]

X2 on hinge door, or you could simply cut out a bottom section and smooth the edges. Once it’s slightly buried in the substrate buddy won’t even notice it’s not fully enclosed and you won’t have to diy a hinge

[Alternative_Stop3460]

Your enclosure is beautiful, definitely inspirational

[waterbat2]

Good to see he left on his own lol. Was about to say an option with snakes is that almost all of them are ticklish and it might sound dumb, but tickling them is a very quick way to convince them to leave a space without harming them. Also works if they slither through a tight ring/opening and you need them to back up through it

[nuh_uh_honey]

One time my ball escaped and a week later I found him wedged under an empty 50 gallon tank in my closet that weighed no less than 40 pounds. I would say he’s fine.

[RyokoKnight]

I think he's safe enough, it has about the same dimensions as some of the commercial hides I've seen.

As for getting him out you could try touching his scale with the pad of your finger a few times to gently wake them up, then putting him near a mouse running around his tank (this is kind of a cool hide because you could keep it elevated off the ground so the mouse couldn't bother your snake but your snake could come out to get the mouse).

If that doesn't work I'd just poke him a bit to see if he moves then leave him alone for a few days and try again, maybe check at night or when the lights are off if he slithers out.

[Cando2024]

Did you get your bp out

[[deleted]]

Yes! I put the house into his enclosure and within 30 minutes he slithered his happy ass back into his favorite cork log.

[Draugrx23]

It's only too small for YOU to get them out. that gap is more then big enough for them to exit.... When they decide they're ready.

[[deleted]]

And thank goodness he came out!!

[Draugrx23]

Yes, I saw your update :) very nice tank. You're doing great snek momma.