Araidia

Same here, mine always read hotter than what it is. Definitely use a good accurate temp gun. I only give hides to shy snakes that won't eat if the food scares them. I have two that eat great if they're in the hide but won't touch it if the rat touches them outside of the hide. The rest of mine in tubs don't have any, when I gave them hides I found some would stay in there for days not moving even if they felt to cold. Without them they get more exercise and seem to regulate temps better. My racks are clear and very open but they all eat great and don't seem to mind being without one. My temps are 90 hot spot and 80 cool end.