Snakes and rubber, not rubber snakes

[rover95disco]

Recently picked up a new hide box for our mexican pine and the hide has a very strong natural rubber smell. I have washed it repeatedly and even buried it in kitty litter for four days(read that on a forum about dog training aids) and the smell is still there, it's like what new floormats or gym mats smell like. I haven't put it in her enclosure for fear of it putting her off or making her uncomfortable, is this something I should be concerned with?

[IW17]

That's a good question. I would think no, but I'd like to hear what others have to say.

[jpsteele80]

I wouldn't think it would hurt but couldn't say for sure

[Cmwells90]

my only note is, snakes have a far better sense of smell then we do. So if you can smell it, so will they. If she doesn't like it, she'll avoid it and depending on how large the cage is, she may smell it in the whole cage, I would personally try to keep it out of the cage until I could mask the smell with something else. Try to freeze it, may nuralize the smell.

[rover95disco]

Thanks all.

Originally Posted by Cmwells90

my only note is, snakes have a far better sense of smell then we do. So if you can smell it, so will they. If she doesn't like it, she'll avoid it and depending on how large the cage is, she may smell it in the whole cage, I would personally try to keep it out of the cage until I could mask the smell with something else. Try to freeze it, may nuralize the smell.

That was my concern, that it may be an overpowering smell to her and she can't get away from it. I'll just pick up another hide for her.