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Best size hide for adults?

AbsoluteApril

AbsoluteApril

mighty blue justice
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I'm debating between some hide sizes and looking for advice. Which do you think would work better for an adult size BP? I prefer the plastic rock hides because they are easy to clean but the half log hides might work better for a BP since the entrance isn't so small (and jagged shaped), however, they can be a pain to clean.

rock cave
11x10.5x4.5

half log hide
11x11x6

would both of those be too small for an adult or would they work?

I am not a big fan of using plastic pans (like kitty litter pans) only because they seem to be too easy to move around being so lightweight, at least when I tried using them for my boas.

thanks
-April
 
Are you keeping your BP's in a rack system? Personally, with my adult females in CB70 and 41 qt racks, I don't even use hides.

Edit - that said, if you do prefer to use hides, I'd use the plastic caves....easier to clean when they happen to smear their fecal matter around.
 
I kind of like using the plastic pans just for that reason - the snakes can move them around the enclosure, and hide where they want. I've got some that are more like dishpans, with an entrance hole cut in, in my cages....I can be sitting in my office, and notice out of the corner of my eye that one just starts moving from one end to the other (with the snake inside, so it looks like it's moving by itself).

But, I don't use them for most of my BPs, unless I get one that is used to it, or is being a pain about feeding. I usually use cereal boxes for those.
 
Once out of quarantine (tubs) they will be moving into some plastic 24x12x12 cages until they get bigger. (I am assuming that will be too small for adult size?) More for display unlike my boas that are kept minimal in tub racks. I may eventually convert my juvi boa tub rack over to the BPs if I end up getting more but for now...
 
I really like the freedom breeder hides. They are lightweight, but fit so there is not much space for them to be pushed. They have deli cup holders built into them to save space. Easy to clean. The hold is on the top so the snake can stay to a side while food is being introduced instead of it being in the middle front. I find most of my problem feeders do VERY well in those.
 
Dollar store upside down giant cereal bowls with 2" holes drilled in the top/bottom so the Ball's can periscope outta them still! ;) (they love that option!)
 
Tom Pecanic said:
Dollar store upside down giant cereal bowls with 2" holes drilled in the top/bottom so the Ball's can periscope outta them still! ;) (they love that option!)
Click to expand...

what do you use to cut the plastic without it cracking? An actual drill? (I don't own one yet and ex stole my dremel). I buy my water bowls at the dollar store, fake plants too sometimes.
 
AbsoluteApril said:
what do you use to cut the plastic without it cracking? An actual drill? (I don't own one yet and ex stole my dremel). I buy my water bowls at the dollar store, fake plants too sometimes.
Click to expand...

Dollar Store's rule for snake "creepers!" lol.. I do, I use a cheapo drill with a 2" paddle bit on it, go real slow and take your time and you won't crack the cheapo bowls. The snakes freakin' love being able to crawl in topside and you will always catch a head periscopin'! lol. :eek:
 
Tom Pecanic said:
The snakes freakin' love being able to crawl in topside and you will always catch a head periscopin'! lol. :eek:
Click to expand...

thats why I like the freedom breeder. I just picked up a bunch of litter boxes to drill the top from walmart for around a buck. I also get the large water bowls for dogs for around a buck. It provides a lot of water, enough room for them to lay in around shed time, a hide under, and if you buy the light green........easy to find mites or anything else.
 
Boas not Balls, but presumably the principle is the same - I'd say always go with smaller than you think.

My boas have multiple hides in their enclosure and ALWAYS pick the smallest they can squeeze into - sometimes ending up wearing the lighter (ice cream tub...) ones like a turtle shell :D But that doesn't stop them using those hides in favour of a larger one they could move around in.

My theory is that they want to touch all the sides at once if at all possible to feel really secure.
 
I like the Plastic rock ones, but I only use it on the really shy ones and that's only until they are sub adult. Most like to use the water bowls I have. With cypress it doesn't sit flat and they will squim in and fill the space between the inside and outside wall of the bowls. I started to offer hides to the snakes after they started doing this ( new bowls recently added) and they still went with the water bowls. So I guess the right answer is whatever works for you.

Harald I thought I was the only one cheap enough to use cereal boxes. Had a YB that loved those things. Only way he would eat.
 
Hey everyone, I use the bed raisers, found at walmart or target for less than $15.00 for a set of 4. When I had cages, I drilled a 2" hole from the top with drill and a hole saw bit. But now, with 41 qt tubs I had to drill hole in the side and cut about an 1" off the top so the lid would fit on. And also found 5" plant containers that fit just right in the tub with hole in side.
 
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