Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been doing a lot of reading and I'd read somewhere that it was recommended not to use hide boxes for boas. Now I can't find where I read it, but I'm not finding any info on having hide boxes either. So, does this guy need a hide box? He has one now, and we took it out, and he hid under the substrate. So, any advise? Thanks.

Lyndsey

I am not an expert...but I give mine a hide box. They don't always use them, but I do find that they spend a lot of time in there when they are in shed. They are vulnerable at that time and I think they seek a darker, smaller space. It also helps to hold in some humidity I think. I use the Reptile Basics hides.

Someone with more experience should answer whether or not you are "supposed" to provide one.
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Cheers,
Jessica Gibbs
Ball Pythons; Corn Snakes; Green Tree Python; Jungle Carpet Python; Bci; Bcl; Bco
3.0 Crazy Dogs and 2.0 cats
Some Tropical Fish
...........and growing!

Thanks for the quick response. He's determined to hide so I guess he will have one. Thanks again.

Some boas demonstrate a need for hides, others are ok without them. I think the one place that it may be detrimental to have a hide is if you only have one and it forces the boa to choose between their perceived safety and security inside of a hide, and the appropriate temperatures elsewhere within the cage. In my experience, boas will choose security over thermoregulating every time IF they don't feel secure within the cage.

Ideally, I think a boa should have a hide on each side of the cage if you choose to furnish hides.

A personal observation is that in my 4' cages, I put a hide on the warm side, and then a large water bowl (not large enough to soak in though) on the cool side within a somewhat close proximity to the back corner. I've found that my boas will sandwich in between the water bowl and the back corner and that's their "second hide" in the cage.

These are just my opinions. I'd highly recommend seeking others out, and then combine those opinions with your personal observations to determine what's best for your boas.

jb
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What's written above is purely my opinion. In fact, MOST of what you read on the internet is someone's opinion. Don't take it too seriously

Jonathan Brady

Deviant Constrictors picturetrail

I give all of my boas hide boxes, & they all use them.

Dan

We put it back in earlier, but I think he's finding the substrate comfortable right now, lol. He hasn't come out yet. Thanks again for everyone's opinions.