I just don't understand...

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Originally Posted by jnjreptiles

The only time we use hides is during c.h season when we have between 1200-3000 babies to set up and get started all at once.
We use 16oz solo cups cut in half down the side for hides, as it is easier to be safe then sorry when dealing with larger numbers.
Other than that all our animals are housed in racks that stay dark in the back so we dont use hides.
Even with imports, we offer hides but a lot of them dont use them after a few weeks. We got a bunch of weird/special w.c's in 2 days ago didn't offer hides and most fed the day after we got them, it all depends on the snake.

The thinking matter of it is, you want the snake to feed and feel secure with out having to have a hide spot, that way if it goes off food you can offer a hide and that might get it feeding again, kind of gives you a back up trick for them.
That is just what we do but the best thing to do is let your snake show you what it wants.

J&J REPTILES

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cool thanks. i did not want to hijack his thread but i always found it interesting that so many people are so insistent on having hides. i also think that it is interesting that larger breeder/keepers often times do not do things "by the book" all the time and often adapt and try different things. i think everyone would be better off trying new things and just do like what you said, let there animals sort of show them what they like and want. i appreciate your time and sorry giaach.

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Originally Posted by mtxsub7

you were new once and actually my advice is 100% true, hell my snake ate for the first time today and is shedding, beat that. I must be doing something right. I am a fast learner and pretty much got everything running within 2 days, I was offering advice and was being nice about it and does not make it OK for you to snap back, most people on here should know how much progress I have made over a week.. seriously keep comments like that to yourself if you're looking for help..

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Sorry man I didn't mean to be so rude. I've been really sick the past 2 days and so I'm a little cranky (nausea and 103 degree fever) I know my humidity was low, and the only reason I use the CHE is because it seems to zap less moisture out of the air than my red or blue heat lamps. I apologize for my comments and I look forward to any more advice you might have.

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Originally Posted by giaach

Sorry man I didn't mean to be so rude. I've been really sick the past 2 days and so I'm a little cranky (nausea and 103 degree fever) I know my humidity was low, and the only reason I use the CHE is because it seems to zap less moisture out of the air than my red or blue heat lamps. I apologize for my comments and I look forward to any more advice you might have.

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Thanks It is ok, my room is so hot because of my BP now, it's like a jungle so sorry for snapping back

Just mirroring previous comments, I have also heard from some breeders and more experienced keepers than myself that some of their snakes aren't even offered hides any longer because they do not use them. Because of all the comments about this so far, it might not be such an uncommon occurance.

If feedings and sheds are all going well then I wouldn't worry about the lack of using a hide spot. He may just be comfortable in his enclosure, or prefer some of the tank decoration over an actual hide. If anything about his feedings appears to be out of the norm for him though then I'd definately start digging a little further.

Since you are using a glass tank I would recommend using the hide - most breeders that say they don't use hides don't have their balls exposed like your :P

That being said - be sure the hide is the right size (tight and cozy) - the right type (dark and comfortable) measure the temperature inside the hide make sure it's about 90* (hides have a tendency to build up heat so you need to monitor the temp inside).

And like the rest said - ditch the CHE.

Good luck!

are you feeding him enough? is the prey item approximately as wide as the snake at his or her widest spot?

a few of my snakes would be overly active until i got bigger prey for them, then they would eat digest and generally be less active.

Well yesterday, being sick and all, I sent my friend to get my a mouse for him. He went to the local Petland and ended up coming back with a small rat. Apparently the girl that got it for him wasn't too smart. At first I was a little apprehensive to give it to him but he went for it right away and about 5 minutes later it was gone. Since that meal he hasn't moved much but he's not using his hides. They are plenty big for him but obviously not too big. I have no idea what his deal is. Unless he's just really comfortable and doesn't need them.


By the way. I read the article about stress or being nosey, and a lot of you said that spiders seem to be more curious and active. Kingsley is a Spider....

yeah my female spider even moves around after a meal. which is odd. but hey spiders are goobers like that. she even bit herself trying to get at a rat! if husbandry is spot on its "normal" for him.