Realistic looking hide ideas?

[ThyTempest]

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to get some ideas for realistic looking hides, especially for when a bp reaches full size. I like the weight and look of the exo-terra rock dens, but I'm not sure even the xl would be big enough for a full size bp. I would like to keep it natural looking. I know some people have mentioned using sculpting clay then hardening it in the oven. If so, about how much would I need to make 2 hides? I also know people have mentioned terracotta pot basins/pots etc, would these be high enough for a full size bp? It seems like if they went in they would just lift it up.

Looking for a lot of good idea, thanks.

[YvesA]

The Zilla ones are nice.

[ThyTempest]

Those do look pretty nice too. Any idea what size would be best for a full grown ball python?

[YvesA]

hmm, hard to tell, Extra Large might work, no real idea though.
I would try to find them locally so you can see them up close.

[starmom]

http://www.reptilebasics.com/Hide-Boxes-p-1-c-282.html
These aren't realistic looking but my snakes love them! I use the medium sized ones even for my 1000g females; though they also have the large size that I'll move them into soon. The offset door is a good touch and they fit well into my racks as well as my cages! I put one along the log wall of the tub so that the snake can thermoregulate without leaving the hide; though many of them are strong enough to move the hide around with them!! And- this sounds nuts- but my snakes prefer them over the Zilla brand. I know I know- impossible you say- I agree. However, I did a scientific experiment and they did like the RBI one's over the Zillas!!! Go figure!!

[Indigo]

You can always hot-glue some leaves on the RB hides for that realistic touch!

[azak323]

I thought these guys at the NC Natural Science Center had a pretty cool hide. And it's natural looking!

[NightLad]

I bought 2 of the black plastic hides and used them for Salzedo when he first came home. He wasn't even 2 months old yet and I knew he'd outgrow them, but I didn't want to overwhelm him with huge hides either.

Right now he is nearly ready for larger hides, but I think I'll just get another set of slightly larger black plastic ones.

When he is fully grown I'd like to get a naturalistic set. Maybe something that looks like a natural rock outcropping.

[gianni]

i've made this and some others similar:

[FloridaHogs]

You can use the same concept people use to make the fake rock wall for a viv, just do it on a plastic hide. Pretty easy, and it will look like a rock.