Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been using a cardboard hidebox for my Grey Banded Kingsnake for as long as I've had him. Just recently, I got a book, What's Wrong With My Snake, and it said that cardboard should be avoided since it has been connected with shedding problems and/or skin infections. I wanted to see what everyone here thought. Any ideas? Also, when I change the box, would I be able to make one out of boards (like pine), or is that not a very good idea? Thanks to anyone who helps me out on this.

What i use for hides are steralite and rubbermaid containers that i cut a hole into. They won't soak up urates like cardboard and you can wash and sterlize them rather that tossing them in the garbage. I like shoe box for most of my kings but they might be a little small for a large eastern. T make the hole i use my soldering iron and cut a hole in the lid and bang i'm done. Hope this helps Paul

I use cardboard hides for all my snakes, always have. As soon as they get soiled I throw them away. My vet said this is best because washing hides is a lot of extra work and they can still have bacteria on them if you miss some spots while cleaning. My snake room looks like a grocery store. Many of my adult snakes like cereal boxes and 12 pack boxes. I have never had any problems associated with it. Tom Stevens

Thanks to the both of you. I think I'll stick with the cardboard. As I futher read that book (great book by the way, I highly recomend it, What's Wrong With My Snake?, I think the reason the author made that comment is that cardboard might absorb some moisture in the tank, causing a lower humidity level, which would indeed cause shedding problems. Thanks again.