ball python lighting and behavior

Question
i just got my snake. when i have a red light on it is less active than the white light and the behavior is eratic in the white light. it also looks like it is yawning. what should the normal behavior be and do snakes yawn. if not what would cause it to open its mouth for no reason?

Answer
The red light is probably not providing as much heat as the white light. Red lights are mainly used so that you can observe your snake at night. All snakes are more active with warmer temps. As far as it's mouth, is it just an occasional yawn or does it seem to open it's mouth a lot? If it's a lot you might consider seeing a reptile vet as it could be a respiratory infection.