Do Red Tails really need hides???

My RTB hardly ever goes into its hide. It either hangs out next to it. Or sits on a branch on the opposite side of the tank. Im kinda thinking the undertank heater may be making it too warm, maybe. Anyway, when it does go into it, it comes right back out. I read that they really don't need hides. But, just wanted to know for sure.

How hot is your high end? I've noted that my boas really don't use a hot spot over 90*F, and 88-89*F seems optimal.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

How hot is your high end? I've noted that my boas really don't use a hot spot over 90*F, and 88-89*F seems optimal.

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Its between 85 and 90...

All three of mine use theirs. I have noticed as well that mine prefer it cooler. What are your temps?

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Originally Posted by DooLittle

All three of mine use theirs. I have noticed as well that mine prefer it cooler. What are your temps?

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the high end is 90. the cooler end is around 78-80.

Guess it could be the undertank heater could be keeping it too warm. If I touch the RTB's heater, it feels really warm. If I touch my BP's heater, it feels so cool that I keep thinking its broke. But when I touch the glass in its hide, its warm. So, its working. May just try moving the hide just next to the undertank heater and see if he goes in it then...

Try knocking it back to 88 warm side and 78 cool side. See if that helps.

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Originally Posted by DooLittle

Try knocking it back to 88 warm side and 78 cool side. See if that helps.

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Ok thanks... Will try that...

Mine will use his hides. His favorite is the cool side hide. The warm side is under the RHP so inside the warm hide is cooler than being on top which is where he goes to digest food. He goes inside the warm hide to do his bizz.

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Originally Posted by Gio

Mine will use his hides. His favorite is the cool side hide. The warm side is under the RHP so inside the warm hide is cooler than being on top which is where he goes to digest food. He goes inside the warm hide to do his bizz.

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That's a good thought. I really don't have a hide on the cool side. Just a bunch of leaves and branches for him to hide under. Think I will try to put an actual hide on the cool side.