BP won't stay in hide?

I'm not entirely sure why, but my ball refuses to stay in his two hides but prefers to lay just under on layer of newspaper. I have two hides, a large water bowl, temps are in check etc. He does seem to understand the hot/cool difference since hell sometimes be chilling under the newspaper on one side of the tank, sometimes he'll move over to the other side of the tank, completely ignoring the two hides. I've tried both the natural store bought reptile hides and a plastic colored tup o ware with entry holes, both to no luck :( After I pick him up I'll put him back by laying him down on the newspaper and putting his (plastic) hide over him, but instead he chooses to go out of it and hang under the newspaper. Is it something I should worry about, or is normal? Is something wrong in the tank I've overlooked? He's about 24'' long in a 20g long tank. :confused:

Thanks
tim

Hides are too big or too small?
Hides are see through?
The animal is stressed?

As long as he is eating consistently its not a big deal. I have a couple snakes that will hide under the paper towel and some that will hide under the paper towels that are under the hides!

snakes do what they want!! as do people. my snake doesnt go under her hide unless shes about to shed, she usually has herself smooshed between the glass of the tank and her water bowl. shes been doing that for about a year now, which has allowed me to pick up her routine. makes it easier on me to know when shes going into shed and when she wont eat!

If he is not eating then you need better hides! The Exo-terra reptile hides are great! The nedium would be good for that size of snake. If he is eating good than don't worry about it , he is happy!

I'm with Steffe, as long as he's eating it's nothing to worry about. My pinstripe would also hide under his newspaper under his hide. I'd put him in his hide, and 10 mins later he'd be under the newspaper.

Ah, okay thanks guys.

check your hiding place .. is it dirty or smell bad ...

my ball wont stay in the hiding place if she poo on it ... lol ... she will stay as far as possible from her "smelly" stuff ...

When do you mean by plastic hide? If it lucid, that is the problem. The ball is trying to hide where it is dark and snug. The news paper provides security as the ball is being touched on all sides are pretty close to it. It is not a problem and is often seen with rack systems. The hides may not be sufficient.