Hi everyonte. New ball python owner here. I’ve had my pied male about 7 weeks, and he’s usually very active, and mobile. For the past few days, he’s been isolated in his hide, hardly moving at all. He did eat this past weekend, so that’s a good sign. He popped his head out a couple of days ago, and I think his eyes looked a little cloudy. It makes sense that he’s about to go into shed, from what I understand. My question is this: Three days ago I put a humid hide with sphagnum moss in his enclosure, but he hasn’t used it. Should I physically put him in it, or simply leave him and let him use it if he wants to do so? I don’t want to disturb him if he’s going into shed. It bums me out to see him so isolated. I want to see him moving around, and take him out. Hopefully this goes well, and he’s back to normal soon.
Here’s a couple of pics of him when he’s normal.
Thanks in advance for any input. Have a great day.
Leave him be, he’ll use it if he needs it. I know it’s a bummer to not see/handle him, but this is just how shed cycles go. Once he’s done shedding he’ll go back to his usual behavior.
He’ll be ok 
This is a good example that all snakes have personal preferences and personalities between individuals. If he doesn’t want to use the humid hide thats ok, as long as his ambient humidity is between 50-60% he shouldn’t have any issues shedding. Some BPs will always use humid hides, some never will, some are so-so.
As far as activity its very normal for them to become inactive while in shed, they can’t see much at all so why move? This is the most vulnerable time for them. They can also be very moody when they are going through this so minimal contact is always advised outside of cleaning and giving fresh water.
Hope this helps ease any worries!