Changing Hides

[grim reaper in NY]

Got a question for y'all regarding hides in our python's setups. Now, the snakes I got this week came with the half trunk style hides. From everything I read here, these style hides are about as handy as a kickstand on a German tank in terms of helping our snakes. Sooooo..I went and invested in some cocnut shelled hides, but the snakes won't use them. Instead, Sheba has decided to wrap herself up in the plastic foliage in her spread and Simba went right back into the half shell that came with him.
How do you persuade your snake to utilize the new hide? Do you just leave the new hide in and hope the snake takes to it? Just curious....I guess some habits do die hard, even with snakes.

[blackcrystal22]

Snakes just take a while to get used to things like that.
Most likely, your snakes will utilize the changes and take advantage of the hides in about a week.

They are a good size for the snake I presume? :]

[grim reaper in NY]

Yep...both snakes fit in the new hides perfectly. No extra room and a nice, tight, snug fit. Almost like they were custom made for both of them.

[stratus_020202]

Mine did the exact same thing. In fact, she uses her bowl hide on the cool side, but still uses the half log on her hot side. I just leave them in there, but i have a big tank. She's just now starting to investigate the bowl on her hot side. It took her a week to use the half bowl on her cool side, and another week after that to use the one on her warm side. I put her half log flush against the side of the aquarium (which has a black covering on it). It made her a little more comfortable. When i did put the new hide in there, I took her out and played a little, then when i put her back, I put her right next to the new hide. Don't force them though, you might scare them. Good luck!!

[grim reaper in NY]

Well, Sheba has taken to wrapping herself in the plastic foliage I have in the setup. She doesn't even use the half log. I didn't know Balls would be happy immersing themselves in platic foliage, but as long as she's happy, that's all that matters.