My snake hides a lot.

I have a new corn snake and he hardly ever comes out of hiding. I have a 20 gallon tank with 4 or 5 hides. One hide is a fake log structure with an “L” branch off that I can’t see into. He hides up inside this “L” spot. I have a heat mat on the warm side with the thermometer probe sitting on top of the substrate and it maintains a temp of 85 to 89 degrees. The fake log is located on the cool side of 5he tank. When I feed him, he does eat two pinkies but has to be lured out to eat. Even then, he only sticks his head out to grab the food, then retreats back in. I’m concerned that he is not spending enough time on the warmer side. He seams to only venture over to the warm side to poop. Should I be concerned? And should I remove the fake log structure?

How long have you had ?
Pat


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If a snake didn't hide all day in the wild it would quickly become something else's lunch.

The reason your snake is staying on the cool end is that the warm end is too warm. Because corn snakes can (and typically will) burrow towards heat, your thermometer probe should be beneath the substrate on the surface of the glass, where I suspect you'll find temperatures in the low 90s. A ball python would be thrilled, but a corn not so much. If you don't have a thermostat I would suggest investing in one.

Babies hide all time. My 2 yr old will Cruz around the tank even if he can see me sitting across the room. My 1 yr old he pokes his head in and out and if he sees me won’t come out of his hide. The only time I see him cruising is if I happen to walk in the room when he’s already out. And it’s usually at night too.


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I’ve had him for 2 weeks

Good to know I will work on this.

Dragonling said:

If a snake didn't hide all day in the wild it would quickly become something else's lunch.

The reason your snake is staying on the cool end is that the warm end is too warm. Because corn snakes can (and typically will) burrow towards heat, your thermometer probe should be beneath the substrate on the surface of the glass, where I suspect you'll find temperatures in the low 90s. A ball python would be thrilled, but a corn not so much. If you don't have a thermostat I would suggest investing in one.

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What she ^ says.

I'll also add, my 3 year old snake goes through spells where he is active and out, and there are spells when he hides a lot.

I've noticed my snake hides more before a shed. He also hides more if the room temp drops quite a bit due to cold weather.

Keep in mind, "Snakes Prefer to Hide." When you see a snake out in the wild, that is a rarity. For every snake "You see" there are thousands you don't see.

Yes see! He’s still just getting used to his surroundings


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I’m not concerned that he will hide a lot, I’m just worried that I may not be caring correctly for him. I’m going to try to adjust the heated side, but i just don’t want him getting ill being on the cold side too much.

It's normal that they do that so no worries.

And also he is new to you takes time for him get used to his surroundings
This site is the best for helping with our concerns they’ve help me loads just ask and someone will get back to you with a answer
Pat


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