Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Are hides needed when keeping snakes in racks?

from what i've read, many people dont always use them in racks.

i use them in my homemade rack, but 2 of my 3 snakes are very shy.

apparently it is somewhat of a contentious issue, but we provide hides for all of our animals, regardless of setup. i think it is best for the mental health of the animal.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

So I'm assuming that the people that use hides just put one on the warm side? There wouldn't be enough room for 2 hides. I'm leaning towards not using any hides as the tubs are already dark and kind of a small enclosed area. Not as small of an area as an ideal hide but...

Except for my really big girls that get a tight fit in CB-70 I provide hides for all my snakes.
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Tosha
JET Pythons

Insert Silly Quote Here

It is personal preference, but I do not use them in rack systems.

It is personal preference, but I do not use them in rack systems.

yes and no....racks are so small yet I use the plastic bottoms that used to come on 2 litre soda bottles and cork bark......and a few have turtle shells and small snakes clay pots with the drainage holes enlarged.........

.......cork pieces work..even if the snake can't get under it they will lay on it or behind it......

alot of babies won't use the hide, they squeeze behind it or behind water bowl into the corner....

they like tight spaces.......

I don't use hides actually on larger balls.....just something to rub on while shedding (cork)...
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I don't provide hides unless the snake lets me know they need one...giving a snake a hide that doesn't need one just creates the opposite effect...a nervous picky feeder. I do spend a lot of time with my animals, which makes them less likely to want to hide, so particular situations can effect this decision also.
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Dale....dgoins222@yahoo.com
www.LibertyReptiles.com

For me, depends on the snake. If they stop eating, give them a hide. If they start eating, great. Problem solved. If they don't after adding the hide, try a different hide. However, many snakes DO go off feed for the winter. Keep feeding records and document changes. You learn about what they like.

Overall, many of my large adults do not have hides, but ALL of my hatchlings do.
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Steve Smith
Midwest Reptiles
www.mwreptiles.com

What kind of behavior would show that the snake needs a hide?

Jumpy, always trying to get away from you, but the biggest is not feeding. The first two can normally be overcome by frequent handling...I realize everybody doesn't have that kind of time, that's why I said particular situations pertain. This is not just opinion...I've experimented with hides on snakes that were relaxed and liked to be picked up...and it turned them into a recluse that didn't want to be bothered. And when I do have to use a hide I can normally wean them off of it later.
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Dale....dgoins222@yahoo.com
www.LibertyReptiles.com