Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a 8 X 3 X (2 on one half and 4 on the other with tree/platform) cage for my 15' burm. i take her 2 X 2 hide box which takes up a third of the floor space out during feeding. it seems that it is in the way during the coiling/eating process. i put it back a couple days later. at this size/age do i need to even use a hide box anymore. she only uses it for a few days before shedding. without it she gets to stretch out more which to me looks more comfortable. if she needs it for security i want her to have it but i want her to be comfortable too

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Hi,
I'm not much of a believer in hide boxes, for most reptiles, period. With that said, you should realize that my opinion here could be prejudiced.

I've got a feeling that you're thinking on the right track here. You've already noticed (quote)"...she only uses it for a few days before shedding."

She's using it to keep herself hydrated in preparation for shedding, not for security. Big burms should be given as much floor space as possible. I do beleive in a climbing branch for exercise, though.

I say, "Take the hide box out to give her plenty of room." Just make sure the humidity level is maintained. I generally mist mine every now & then when they're about to shed.
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

I had better let you know that there is a chance that she uses the hide box for security during the shedding phase due to eye scales clouding up and limiting sight. Some will/can argue that point. I could make a good argument for it, myself, but I'm not a big fan of hide boxes.

Take care!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

i totally agree that it is an eyesight issue since she only gets a little more than her head and neck into the box

I honestly feel she'll cope without it just fine.

HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

I agree I do not use hide boxes on any of my snakes at all. My burms do not have hide boxes, neither does my retics or even my boa. Now I know there are some snakes that needs a hide box but what you can do is throw in more newspaper so they can hide and they will do just fine. My burms will climb under newspaper to hide when they are in shed, talk about 10 - 12 ' burm hiding not very hard to find.

Charlie

> > > talk about 10 - 12 ' burm hiding not very hard to find.

Ha! Ha! That's the truth. Mine used to go under the paper but stopped when they were about 6ft long or so. Haven't done it since.

I've got a few baby burms that hatched last June. Twice now I've seen the albino outside of the hide, coiled up with a scetion of it's body going across (covering) it's eyes. Cutest, funniest, thing! The ostrich effect.

Later!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American