Hides

[corr]

Hey all. Right now I'm using small Rubbermaids (~10x6x6") as hides for my male Colombian (5.5ft) and male Hog Isle (6ft). I turn them upside down and cut a hole in the end. The Colombian will eventually outgrow these so I was wondering what eveyone else use as hides for their larger boas?

I've noticed that some cages don't have hides at all or shelves instead...

[Pontus]

cork bark big chunks of it
also gives something rough to run on

[corr]

Thanks Pontus but I'd like something a little easier to clean. :)

[damzookeeper]

Bigger rubermaids. :D :D

[ChunkyMunky]

I've seen quite a few people use appropriate sized cardboard boxes with a hole cut in it. This seems to be the easiest/cheapest way to make a hide for a larger boa constrictor. Take care.

Dan.

[corr]

Yeah, but I thought there might be something more rigid. Sometimes when I check in on them, they're literaly busting out of them. I considered making wooden boxes, but they'd be hard to clean too unless I finished them.

[corr]

Thanks Dan. I've thought of that too but when they poop in them, you gotta replace it.

[ChunkyMunky]

Maybe a big, round garbage can lid?

[damzookeeper]

If you like building and want to work, you could always build a box with melamine, leave the bottom open so that it can be lifted off them and you can waterproof the box incase they defficate on or around it, and just make a hole for them to get in and out. The weight of the melamine would be heavier than just a rubbermaid tub. If you wanted to get really fancy you could glue on some sand, peatmoss, or other substrates with a couple branches for looks. I'm not sure what glue would be best to use, just make sure you use something that is non-toxic and safe around herps. :) Just a thought if you were looking for something with a little more terrerium look to it. :D

[corr]

Like building? -- Yes... Want to work? -- Hmmm, not so much. lol Melamine boxes would be ideal, it's just taping all the edges that I'm not too keen on. :) I'd just as soon build one out of plywood and slather it with sealant... herp safe of course...

[Linds]

I use kitty litter pans with a hole cut out. Large-sized will accomodate up to 7.5', and anything larger can use the jumbo sizes ;)

[corr]

Hmmm, I like that Linds. They would be a lot more rigid, wouldn't they? Is there any place in particular you get them?

[Linds]

I get mine at Walmart :D

[JonD]

Melamine boxes would not work well. It's hard to seal the edges and the particle board soaks up moisture. If your snakes ever tipped it's water dish it wouldn't be long till the box turned to mush at the bottom. Even regular humidity will get the best of it soon than later. Cardboard boxes are great for hides and free. Just toss em when they get dirty or soaked.... You could also use larger clay pots upside down, just cut a hole on the lip big enough for the snake to get in. Make sure you round off the edges of it as they can be sharp!

[Invictus]

Not one of my boas has a hide box, and not one of them seems to want one either. When I did give one to them, they preferred to lay on top of it. If they feel like hiding, they bury under the newspaper or paper towel.

[Linds]

Originally posted by JonD
You could also use larger clay pots upside down, just cut a hole on the lip big enough for the snake to get in. Make sure you round off the edges of it as they can be sharp!

Clay pots suck. They are abrasive, and some species with thinner skin can easily have it abraded by the texture. As well, there is no way of eliminating any contaminants the pot has soaked up, and as a result can have serious consequences if they have a chance to make their way below the skin. I've seen snakes develop systemic infections as a result of this :eek:

[JonD]

Originally posted by Linds
Clay pots suck. They are abrasive, and some species with thinner skin can easily have it abraded by the texture. As well, there is no way of eliminating any contaminants the pot has soaked up, and as a result can have serious consequences if they have a chance to make their way below the skin. I've seen snakes develop systemic infections as a result of this :eek:

Clay pots can be cleaned/disinfected dispite their porous nature.

They are alot smother than most rocks and terrain that snakes would encounter in the wild and use for hiding.

So Linds, you are saying you have seen snakes that, from constant rubbing and lack of cleaning that they have developed infections? Or is it that since the snake has worn it's skin off that it could be more likely to develop an infection?

Just curious...

;)

[Linds]

They may be able to be rid of some things through heat (boiling/baking), but not all contaminants can be cleaned, such as toxins. Ya never know what the pot may have come in contact with prior to you. I've seen snakes die from toxecemia as a result of the lightest abrasions (invisible to the naked eye), causing whatever blood infection :/ I have to disagree with them being smoother.. the texture more resembles fine grade sandpaper, and when moistened, can be quite rough on anything with finer skin.

[dfr]

` Newspaper does it best, for me. The snakes make their own hides, when they want them. Flat paper on bottom, for sanitation, and wadded, or wrinkled paper on top of it, for cover, bedding.
` My Boas love it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v30/dfr49/DSCF0467a.jpg