I do this out of concern for the snake. My humidity levels in my house are very low, my thinking is if they need it they will be drawn to it. If they don't, well then they will avoid it.

It's been my experience in the past captive snakes tend to suffer from excess dehydration (aspen, open air, excess heat)....usually because they lack the moisture they seek in the ground. So to make up for it, I offer a solution/choice. It's pretty much the same as offering a big water bowl for them to soak in if they desire. The main reason for the hide is that I don't have enough room in the container for a water bowl.

I was very surprised to see how easily the shed was for BR. I've read about eye caps being somewhat of a problem with some sheds...so I'm just being proactive.

I've heard of some keepers in the Tucson area that just observe snakes without actually trying to help theirs out. I'm helping mine out as much as I can in a captive environment. We do things a bit different in Texas you know