Hides

[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

[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

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.