Reptile & Amphibian Forums

okay, I am in the process of setting up a cage for the baby ball I will be buying. IRT hides, how much is enough? How much is too much? Is a small cardboard box okay? Do I have to spend 20-30 dollars for some manufactured cave? How big should it be? Does the snake needs small space that it can occupy fully, or a big space it can get lost in? As always, thanks in advance!

ps- I am leaning towards a clay pot, or a floppy diskette(3.5 inch) box)

You do not need to spend money on a hide. Snakes dont care what they hide in and very rarely check the price tag. If you wish to make an attractive, natural looking enclosure then you could consider purchasing an artificial rock hide. But thats the only reason.

For my small snakes I use cardboard boxes with a hole cut in the top. They are free and when they become soiled I throw them away. For hatchlings I use the bottoms of solid colored plastic containers like you get in a deli.

You could certainly use a box or a flower pot. Just make sure the pot has a hole large enoough for the snake and no rough edges.

As far as size the hide should be snug so the snake feels secure. A huge hide that he gets lost in does no good. I liked the flat boxes since the snakes back could just about touch the top when they coiled up inside. Probably made them feel safe.

Think snug, not roomy, and in particular think low-down. Snakes want something they can feel contacting their body, including their backs.

Think cheap, since you are providing for a young snake which will be outgrowing its hide on a regular basis.

You mentioned flower pots. I'd suggest flower pot saucers. These plastic ones are great. The only real downside is difficulty cleaning due to the curved rim.

I use the same plastic saucers, small litter pans, etc., but cut the curved rims off. They are much easier to clean this way!
Also, a great low cost hide is the heavy plasic water bowls with a 2-2.5 inch hole cut in the bottoms (use a hole saw on a drill). Then, just flip them over and they're good to go. There are various sizes and the larger ones only cost 3-4 dollars and are good for 1000 gram balls. After this size the small litter pans work great and are only $2.09 at Walmart.
Take care,
Glenn