Is a Hide Necessary in a Tub?

Is it completely necessary to have a hide in a tub? I see some people have them and some don't. Is just a big enough water bowl the only thing that should be in the tub or is it just personal preference?

Stephen.

None of my snakes have hides other then my venomous. If mine want to hide they just go under there newspaper.

The best answer is 'occasionally'. If the snake is exhibiting signs of stress or not feeding well, add a hide.
Most of my adult snakes don't need one--the bins are low enough, and dark enough in the back, that they feel secure.

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Originally Posted by wingedwolfpsion

the best answer is 'occasionally'. If the snake is exhibiting signs of stress or not feeding well, add a hide.
Most of my adult snakes don't need one--the bins are low enough, and dark enough in the back, that they feel secure.

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x2..Just to add I will use hides with new arrival babies or hatchlings to get them acclimated. After a couple weeks I'll remove the hides completely , given that theres no signs of stress or feeding issues. if they want to hide Theyll go under the paper.

If it is a stand alone tub then yes, hides are necessary. In a rack system some people use one hide or no hides because the rack provides some security toward the back.

My rack is open on all sides (though, one end faces the wall), so I supply all of my snakes with hides. I suspect I'd do that even if I had a rack enclosed on three sides. To me, they seem to like not only darkness but feeling secure, i.e. feeling crammed into a small space. Plus, my "hides" are typically 6 quart tubs with a hole cut in them. I can easily put some moist towels, moss, etc. in the tub/hide when they shed.

I don't use hides in any of my racks. When I clean the tubs and put in fresh paper I just crumple up an extra piece and throw it in. All tanks get two hides.

Here is the way I look at it, I would rather offer an hide and the hide not being used, than not offer one and the hide being needed.

My only problem with hides in the racks is that the snakes like to perch on top of them, and then they brace themselves, so you can't pull the bin out. <lol>

Alright well then i'm going to walmart to pick out some dark plastic bowls or something and put a hide. The tubs i have are tiny neither BP is more than 140g so there wont be much floor room in the tub with the water dish and hide. Is this going to be a problem?

Big Gunns doesn't like them. He said why on another thread somewhere(BG is lazy again:D). There are many reasons why BG thinks they can be a problem, but they can be needed for feeding issues.