Exo-Terra Snake Cave Heat Question

Hi everyone, I'm currently looking for a new hide for my Ball Python who currently hides in the hide on the bottom right. http://croydonreptiles.co.uk/1588/ex...xtra-large.jpg

That's a medium Exo-Terra snake hide, but the only problem is that he has definitely out-grown it because he always has the back part of the hide on top of his body somewhat which of course leaves a dent on his body (It goes away within minutes of me having him out but he's still too big for it). Have you noticed that the hide he is in does not have a 'floor'? He is kept in a 12L Really Useful Box with kitchen towel substrate which he lays on. Outside and underneath the tub is a black heat mat which is connected to a thermostat to maintain temperature.

Now, the next hide up in that picture is far too big; TWO (I keep two of the same hides in his tub) won't fit in a 12L RUB, and I've already tried him in an 18L RUB (13, 14, 16 and 17L RUBs are not suitable for snakes because they are really low in height but super wide) and it's obviously too big for him so I have to keep him in that 12L.

So, I've been looking at this hide which is barely any wider so two should fit in but it's also taller: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000HHOA...ing=UTF8&psc=1

An Exo-Terra Snake CAVE Medium, but here's an issue, I've noticed these caves have 'floors', so I'm worried that the heat will not be able to get through to the snake. Has anyone else gotten one of these snake caves, and if they have, can the heat get through the floor of the cave? Is it paper thin?

This is his current setup and yes he did move the hide in his sleep, the silly boy, but the back of it is actually raised and slightly resting on his body, and the stuff on the lid is just plastic from the soldering iron on the outer part of the lid, not inside so don't worry: http://imgur.com/a/xjbrU

Does heat transfer though yes, but use a Lazer to see what degree it is after a few hours as you loose temp...how much depends on what its going through. I loose about 6-8 degrees myself.
I will not use those Hides as you cant get your snake out of them if you need too for whatever reason. Also ive seen them Poo in there and then wont come out and I want to clean as soon as they go.... The Reptile Basics Hides arent pretty but they are great for the snakes needs and convenient to wash.

You can get them out of the hides because you can open the top, it's like a snap on. Open the 'lid' of the hide then pick up the snake. But yeah I have a heat gun I can use to take temperatures of surfaces.

What makes you feel the 18L is too big? He looks like he needs an upgrade on tub size real soon so why not just do ahead and do that and get the hides you wanted?

I've tried the 18L and he didn't want to settle down. So I gave him his 12L back. He's only been in there since October.

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Originally Posted by Seviper

I've tried the 18L and he didn't want to settle down. So I gave him his 12L back. He's only been in there since October.

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How long did you leave him in the 18 for? When they go into a new enclosure they go through the whole adjustment period again, just like they do when you first get them but usually not for as long

It took him 30 minutes to settle down from his 5L to the 12L, I tried him for 6+ hours in the 18L and he wasn't settling down. Anyway lol it's a bit off topic because I wanted to make sure the heat (judging by the picture) will go through that snake cave or not. I could just put a bit of kitchen towel in the cave so he doesn't have to lay on the plastic cave floor.

Here is a link to an extra large cave in the type you already have.

----> https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0002AR5BA/ref=s9_acsd_simh_hd_bw_bUWoqV_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=4C06QQKYDWE5QV66BRSJ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=e4539c65-1d6a-5189-b96f-7a82e8abfb7c&pf_rd_i=451112031&th=1

large--->https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0002AR5...ing=UTF8&psc=1

The Solid cave type are very small. I got the medium for mine when I first got him (he was 170g) and he quickly out grew it. I've used all of the ones in your first link and am now on the largest...it's a little big, but I stuff some dry sphagnum moss in and he does not seem to mind. But I understand if they are just too big for your tank. I've also used terra cotta pots - I set them upside down and drill out the drain hole in the bottom so it's big enough for my snake. I'm not sure how tall your enclosure is. People also really like the black reptile basics hides.

My boy is around 490-500g now. I guess I'll have to wait until the medium caves arrive and see if it fits.