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Plastic Hide Boxes

CJBianco Dec 22, 2005 08:28 PM

I was wondering if anyone here can suggest a good commercial plastic hide box. (Nothing fancy. Just a plastic box with a hole.)

I've used the Freedom Breeder hide boxes. I like these a lot. (Although I wish they didn't have so many odd surface areas. It makes cleaning more of a hassle. I also wish they were a bit heavier. And available in black.)

I've seen some basic black plastic hide boxes in the classifieds section. (The largest size may be a little too small for a big adult female. I don't really know. Has anyone used these before?)

The only other commercial plastic hide box that I've seen is the Animal Plastics hide box. (These are WAY too large for any rack system. It's too bad. I think the design is great. I wonder if they do small custom orders.)

Any suggestions on where to find some good commercial plastic hide boxes would be appreciated.

Thanks In Advance,
Chris
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mean people suck

Replies (11)

toshamc Dec 22, 2005 08:58 PM

I get the black hide boxes from Reptile Tubs - They are pretty light weight which means that the snakes move them with them as they migrate from the warm end to the cool end and back again. They are smooth on the inside and there is a slight raised pattern on the outside. The large fits most of my medium sized balls (1500 grams give or take) not sure if they make an extra large size or not but the big girls don't use them/cant get into them.
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Tosha

"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"

7.33.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Anakin Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Verdi - yeah I know but my kids love the book)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Desert Tortoise (Pope John Paul aka JP )
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.2 frogs rescued from pool skimmer

nogard Dec 22, 2005 11:10 PM

I use the heavy plastic flower pot saucers from home depot, they have brick red and black, 6 or 8 sizes, the biggest fits my large carpet pythons with no problem,

Just heat them up, cut a hole and form it so it is tight and secure, they are only $3 a piece and they are my choice for all of my snake hides

thanks
tony butler

methistina Dec 23, 2005 12:31 AM

I use Doskocil/Petmate small cat litter boxes, Flip them over use a 4" hole saw and presto perfect hide for three bucks. I have several females that are over 3000g and they fit just fine!

Greg Power
B.O.A. Inc

XtremeXteriors Dec 23, 2005 03:53 AM

just out of curiosity isnt that an extreme amount of moisture build up on the cages ball pythons from what i learned live in a moderatly dry area w/ a rainy season that looks very very wet which could cause an RI. and could cause the rack to mold if its made of wood and not treated.JMHO

CJBianco Dec 23, 2005 09:48 AM

That's interesting. I was looking at my kitten's litter box this morning and thinking it was the perfect sized hide box for a big 3000g female. I may have to try the idea.

Thanks for sharing the photo too!

Chris
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mean people suck

toshamc Dec 23, 2005 10:36 AM

Those work great too - I tried them with my big girls - but they have a lip running around them and it makes for a cleaning hastle - 9 times out of 10 I bet you can guess where they'd poop. Awww well whattayagonnado!?!?!?
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Tosha

"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"

7.33.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Anakin Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Verdi - yeah I know but my kids love the book)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Desert Tortoise (Pope John Paul aka JP )
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.2 frogs rescued from pool skimmer

jyohe Dec 23, 2005 10:56 AM

not my idea..but someone once told me they use no hides on any balls....starting with babies.that way they get used to not having or needing them

I use them for babies if they use them and don't make a mess of them or turn them around and move them too much...

......as for the BIG girls..I think the 34 inch box they are in IS a hide box.........

..........

s for the person with the totally wet sided boxes.....yea..looks a little wet to me.....and the aspen ? would get really moldy here in a few days......I use aspen but if the cage gets wet too much due to the big ball setting in and spilling water all the time......I use cypress...yea........I have a few that are always wet it seems....balls like it but the aspen molds.........yes my racks are plastic.........

........?...is the water bowl on the heat tape?........is the heat tape too hot?...........

good luck all

Happy Holidays to all and to all a good night?
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................................................
..................gottaLuvIt!!

CJBianco Dec 23, 2005 01:26 PM

I know several people who do not use hide boxes. I just prefer to provide the option. Just in case.

And the CB70 boxes are in an open rack system. Too much light inside. An additional hide box would be a good idea.

I think the litter box idea sounds perfect.

Chris
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mean people suck

methistina Dec 24, 2005 12:36 AM

The boxes are "wet" because I had just misted them five minutes prior to taking the picture. I do this during the breeding season about once a week or so. In reality the boxes ARE NOT wet but just look that way. I also prefer aspen and do not like cypress for balls. The aspen is easier, at least for me to spot clean. I have been keeping them on it and in this manner for many years with no problems, even mold. Lastly all of my racks are made by Animal Plastics and are expanded PVC not wood. Oh and Tasha you are correct the lip can be a hassle sometimes but I keep extra clean hides available at all times so it doesn’t bother me to much. To everyone else thank you for the compliments!

Greg Power
B.O.A. Inc

CJBianco Dec 24, 2005 09:34 AM

I'll let you know how they work out.

Thanks again.

Chris
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mean people suck

methistina Dec 24, 2005 07:35 PM

N/P

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