Question about water bowl and hiding spot....

I've heard its good to have two identical hides but I cannot find two quite the same. I have two hides that my snake fits into really really well; they are not identical but he doesn't know the difference. Is this ok? Is it absolutely necessary that they be entirely identical? If so, where does this logic arise from? I know in the wild they would find similar but not identical spots so I really don't see how that is necessary.


As far as water bowl, I have a young snake about 12-15 inches long and a 20 gollon tank. What size bowl should I get?

I have never heard of using idendtical hides and I have never used identical hides and never noticed a problem.
I only rule I know of for hides is that you need 1 on the warm side and 1 on the cold side so the snake can move to whichever he feels more confortable in.

I believe you probably heard that you need two identical hides so that your snake does not like one that fits better and choose it to feel more secure as opposed to changing hides for heat regulation. Some snakes are more scared and tend to choose security over heating needs. Other snakes are very chill and don't care in the slightest. If the snake likes both of them the same, that is the point so you don't have to worry, although you might keep your eye on that.

For a waterbowl, you can get something quite small. A ceramic bowl 5 or 6 inches across and a couple deep can last a bp its whole life. I have a bp about the same size and right now I have a dish that is only about 2.5 inches across and about 3 inches deep. Works great for his smaller enclosure size.

We recommend identical hides because ball pythons will sacrifice thermoregulating for the hide that they feel safer in. If you use two identical hides, then they don't need to sacrifice anything.

I use plastic cereal bowls from the dollar store as hides. Hides don't need to look natural or anything. They can be plain and simple.

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

We recommend identical hides because ball pythons will sacrifice thermoregulating for the hide that they feel safer in. If you use two identical hides, then they don't need to sacrifice anything.

I use plastic cereal bowls from the dollar store as hides. Hides don't need to look natural or anything. They can be plain and simple.

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I prefer a more natural look. Less sterile looking.

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Originally Posted by Reptis

I prefer a more natural look. Less sterile looking.

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Alot of us use plastic hides but many also use the more natural looking ones too. BPs seem to like hides that have only one way in so they dont feel very secure in something very open like a half log.

I have a couple BPs in my boaphile cage stack and for those I prefer hides that look a little more natural but boy are they expensive.

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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

Alot of us use plastic hides but many also use the more natural looking ones too. BPs seem to like hides that have only one way in so they dont feel very secure in something very open like a half log.

I have a couple BPs in my boaphile cage stack and for those I prefer hides that look a little more natural but boy are they expensive.

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I have two ways into her cave the larger front one and a smaller rear that's sort of hidden. She uses. both.

@Reptis
Do you have a pic of your setup?

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Originally Posted by waltah!

@Reptis
Do you have a pic of your setup?

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I feel a debate coming on..

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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

I feel a debate coming on..

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lol, not at all. He's a new member with a very long term captive and I'd love to see pics:)