Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I use these plastic drip trays (made for house plants)exclusively for ball python hides. They are cheap, $1.00-$2.00 depending on size at Wal-Mart and Home Depot, and more importantly they are a great, low profile hide box. They also help to interpret and accomodate snake behavior quickly and efficiently. I simply walk into the snake room with a flashlight at night and look in each cage. If the snakes are in a position like the ghost pictured, head out with a tight
S-coil, then they are looking for food. If they want to cool off slightly, they are sitting on the hide. If they are sitting wrapped around the H2O bowl, then I either need to turn the Flex-Watt down, or the females are growing follicles. Thanks for looking.

Will

PS - If the snake is in shed, I simply dump the water bowl into the escape hatch of the hide (top), the moist substrate and enlosed area will ensure a nice clean shed.

.

Good info on ball behavior.
For those that want or need hide boxes but are on a tight budget or just like being thrifty, try old boxes. You'd be surprised at just how many cereal and cracker boxes the typical family is throwing out. Just 4 in my family and this week alone I've got 5 boxes. I tape closed the end that was opened and split the boxes in half. Hatchlings and yearlings do great in just half a cereal box. Just cut the ends off a cereal box for adult males. Adult females need something larger. I find the boxes are good for about a month.
Just a word of caution. If you spot clean your boxes, don't make the mistake of putting your hand in front of the open end of the box.