hides and large BP

[paulsreef]

My new ball doesn't use his hide, I've placed it in the warm end and the cool end. He is big at 2200 grams.; do large balls out grow the need of a hide? His enclosure is a rubbermaid 30''x16''x6'', I thought maybe he feels secure enough in the rubbermaid.
Thanks, Paul.

[Bartman]

Ive asked a similar question and found a lot of people didnt bother using hides for ball's that are in rack systems. Im assuming it'd be the same for just one rubbermaid.

[Jayson]

Not all bp's use a hide, most people put hides in with their snakes so that if the snake feels the need to hide, it can. If your cage temps and humidity are proper and your snake is eating then you have nothing to worry about.

[paulsreef]

The top isn't clear, so he may feel secure enough. I 've had him less then a week, so I haven't attempted to feed him yet.
Paul.

[nita]

I have some in racks that like hides and some that don't. All depends on the snake.

[mykee]

What would give you the impression that he "feels secure enough" to not need a hide after only having him for one week?

[sapphire_moon]

Maybe you should try 2 hides instead of switching one back and forth.

[paulsreef]

I thought that being in a new enviroment he would want to hide right away. I actually did try one in the cool end and one in the warm end at the same time. I'm going to continue providing a couple of hides; I bet he'll use it to digest a meal or when he's going to be shedding. He doesn't need me telling him how to be a snake, he'll figure it on his own, LOL.
Paul.

[Artemis]

Ive been struggling with this problem too, and my BP isnt new. Im about to go pay too much money for one of those halved hollowed out logs and let it run the length of the enclosure. That way he has access to both hot and cool sides all in one hide. Trying to keep one on each side for him right now in the rubbermaid SUCKS. Between the 2 hides he can fit his big snake behind in, and the water dish big enough for him to soak in, there is NOOOOO floor space in this thing to speak of, save the perimeter. Im a rubbermaid moron! Suggestions please!!

[sapphire_moon]

how about a pvc pipe that runs the length of the cage instead of about 30 dollars for those half log things.

[paulsreef]

I read a post somewhere here about PVC being unhealthy for some reason. Do a search and see if something comes up.
Paul.

[Bartman]

The only thing ive heard about PVC is that it doesnt allow over head heat to get under where the snake is hiding so if you're using a UTH then you should be fine.

[mykee]

I would suggest, (only if you have the right sized rubbermaid of course) to not waste your time with a hide at all and see if the new environment stresses him out or not. I have 20 or so adult balls in proper sized rubbermaids without hides at all and they eat, poop, shed and live just fine.