In my racks I was using cardboard sheets that I folded into hides for a while, but then I realized that most of my ball pythons werent even using them. They would just push them aside or curl up right in front of them. So I took the "hides" out and they have been out for about a week now and everybody has eaten and I have had no problems. So are hides really a neccessity in racks? I can understand using them in aquariums, but they seem kind of useless in racks. But what are your opinions? Also what substrate do you use? I use aspen shavings because I can buy it in bulk, but its a pain in the rear to clean. I am thinking about using paper towels, but once again what is your opinions?