weird behavior

Question
Hi, I have a albino burmese python that is almost a year old. Lately he has been stayin inside of his "cave" if you will and doesnt come out much. I am feedin him 2 mice every week and changing his water every other day. He only comes out for a little while everyday and when he does he only stick part of his body out and he put his body up and acts like he is staring at the top of the tank. Do you know what he is doing, and why he is doing this? If so what can I do to help him?

Answer
There is a disease called IBD (inclusion body disease) which causes a behavior called "stargazing."  The behavior has a similar description to what you are seeing.  Eventually the behavior gets worse to the point the animal ends up going over backwards and has trouble righting itself.  Admittedly I do not have much experience with the disease (other than what I have read).  Perhaps, you should make a vet appointment...  Sorry, I can't help more with that.  

The other thing it might be is hunger.  At one year old my burms are pushing 5-6 feet and are eating large rats...  2 mice sounds like either he is undersized or underfed...  I have a 4-5 month old eating medium rats if that gives you an idea.