Ribbon Snake behavior...normal?

[Tig]

So I finally got my Ribbon Snake a working heat lamp, and his behavior completely changed. He spends most of his time burrowed on the cool side, rather than sitting on top of his hide like usual. Is this normal?

 

[M_surinamensis]

Own a temperature gun?

 

[Stl_Greaser]

The heat light may be getting the entire enclosure too warm! The coolest place for the snake is buried in the substrate furthest away from the heat source!

 

[M_surinamensis]

The heat light may be getting the entire enclosure too warm! The coolest place for the snake is buried in the substrate furthest away from the heat source!

Maybe.

That's why I asked what I asked and it's the most likely cause of that behavior after that variable changed. It's not the only one though.

Thermoregulation issues are the most likely, use a temp gun or an accurate thermometer placed directly on the same surfaces the animal has access to and determine the temperature now that the lamp has been added.

If the temperature checks out okay it might also be a response to the change in the photoperiod- ribbons are mainly crepuscular although their behavior periods see some seasonal changes and they can be active at any time if there are other environmental factors overriding the photo responses.

It might also be a response to new or additional stressors in or around the enclosure, causing the animal to feel less secure and consequentially spend more time hiding.

Behavioral changes can also accompany changes to the animal's general health- if it's sick, injured or has had a flare up of a parasite load.

Still... most likely scenario by far given the information provided- the lamp is overheating the enclosure. Check the temperatures and adjust accordingly.