Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two hides with my male. But for babies kept in small plastic containers arehides necessary. In pics the big breeders dont use them. It seems in a rubbermaid box only 6 in high with a solid colored top the snake would feel secure without one.

DO you guys that house your bps in rack systems use hide boxes?

as hatchlings....yes, once they hit the 300-500 gram mark I take the hides away. I keep all of my personal collection in adult racks, so they need the hides to feel secure when they are little. Probably not necessary when they are in smaller containers....again it depends on the snake.

depends...mostly on the snake. If you have some that are reluctant to eat, try adding a hide for a week and note the difference. They are a lot more confident when they are not stressed all the time.

I know this might offend some, so I want to make it clear that this is my personal opinion and experience.
If you have a shy or reluctant eater- hides can definitely help get them to feed. Most (if not all balls) balls feeding response will improve with a hide. Some balls will do much better with a hide and some it doesn't matter. If you need a hide to get a snake to eat you should use one.
HOWEVER......, in my experience I would caution to use them only when you need to and only for as long as you need to if you don't want to have use them forever. If you raise a snake with a hide, over time they become more and more dependent on it and will always need it. Many become overly reclusive and shy, and picky eaters if you take them hide away. I personally don't like a shy snake that stays in their hide all the time and won't eat without a hide. I prefer one who is secure without a hide and sticks his head out to greet me when I open the rack. I personally use them only when I need to and only as long as I need to.
Remember folks, this is just my opinion and experience.
Grant