Question on hides

Question on hides

Postby clinton.wayne » Tue Oct 26, 2010 12:43 pm

Hi Everyone

What can I use as a hide for my ball python? I made one out of wood and it seems to be a bit small for him now. Any suggestions?
In general what do you guys prefer to use for your snakes?
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Re: Question on hides

Postby Silvrav » Tue Oct 26, 2010 1:31 pm

I use shallow platic plant pots. Cut out a hole, and turn upside down :)

I recently had mites, and figure that wood will be a perfect hiding spot for them, so removed the wooden hide and got a plastic one. Easier to clean as well.
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Re: Question on hides

Postby clinton.wayne » Tue Oct 26, 2010 1:47 pm

Thanks for the reply... I did think of that but wouldn't it be too light & they'll just move it all over the place?
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Re: Question on hides

Postby eyed_lizard » Tue Oct 26, 2010 2:04 pm

Use a dark plastic Tupperware container that clips closed, drill/cut a big enough hole in it for the snake/lizard to fit through.
Drill holes in the top and a few less in the bottom for drainage.
Put your vermiculite, moss or newspaper in there and now and then mist it to keep it moist.

If you like you can get a bathtub plug and close it when transporting without putting the animals under too much stress.
I also found that this method works nicely for lay boxes and for putting your animals through brumation.

These containers costs around R40+ depending on size from Plastic Land.
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Re: Question on hides

Postby Bushviper » Tue Oct 26, 2010 5:09 pm

Please ignore the above advice.

1. Ball pythons have been recorded on numerous occasions getting stuck in holes drilled into plastic boxes.
2. Vermiculite is messy and sticks to the snakes skin. Damp newspaper causes mould.
3. A bath plug will be pushed out by any snake so quickly it is just not funny. This will give the snake ample time to escape while you believe it is being transported safely.

Ball pythons like to feel something against their backs. Screw two planks together so that one forms the front of the hide and the other slopes away down to the ground. If it is almost as long as the cage the snake can hide at whatever temperature it requires by moving either left or right under the hide. Depending on whether it has eaten or not if can move forward or backwards and still have its back resting against the roof which makes it feel more secure. If the humidity in the cage is adequate the snake will not require a moist box pre-shedding or any other time.
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Re: Question on hides

Postby clinton.wayne » Wed Oct 27, 2010 8:32 am

Thanks BV. :)
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Re: Question on hides

Postby Redmachine » Wed Oct 27, 2010 10:02 am

Well,Until i get enough money to buy proper hides.I just temporarily use those flora butter containers,i cut a clean hole for the snake to go and i sand down the sharp edges.
Its really working for my corn snake's and i've got pretty big ones for my boa constrictor.
They are light and do move around often with my corn snakes,my boa's is always in the same place.
Thanks to hustler for the idea,lol.
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