Why no log hide?

[TheNunciate]

This post is in response to a question asked by Qetu. I didn't want to reply in the original post because it didn't fit with the OP's topic.

So correct me if I'm wrong veterans......

The log hide apparently doesn't provide an adequate hiding spot. My guess is that it is too open or something. I argued the point a while back with a few veteran owners who kept suggesting that I remove the log hide and get something different and I insisted that it was just fine. They say it stresses the snake to not have an appropriate hide even if you don't notice them being stressed.

So I switched to a exo-terra hide like I have on the cool side. It took her a couple of days to creep inside but I have noticed a difference in her behavior since she started using it regularly. She's much more at ease and spends less time outside of the hides now which is more normal than constantly cruising around the tank. The temperature inside the new hide is warmer and more consistent and retains humidity much better. Totally worth the $20 to have a happy snake.

And my apologies to those members that I incorrectly argued my point with previously.

[bobbi]

BP's like snug hides that touch all sides of their body. good for you for switching over a happy snake is a healthy snake

[TheNunciate]

I had a hard time convincing my husband that it was a good idea. He said I was messing with the tank too much. I have a tendency to obsess. He thought that since it was the only thing left from the original setup that she would have some attachment to it, sort of a safety blanket. Even though I told him that snakes brains don't really work like that, I was starting to worry when she wouldn't use the new hide for a couple of days. There's moss in the tank and I can tell if she has been over a new spot or not by how smooshed down the moss is. So I took her out (been prying up the hides and waking her up to handle her, ya'll would be proud) and when I put her back in I pointed her towards the new hide and she went right in. No more worry.

And she really is calmer since I switched hides.

[abuja]

My BP has a log hide, too, but one end is against the glass and the log is filled with bedding so he is very snug.

[Buttons]

If you don't want to spend $20 on one just use a couple cereal/soup bowls from the dollar store and cut an entrance in them.

[TheNunciate]

Yeah, that works great too. I just like the way the faux rock hides look. My setup kinda has the forest floor motif goin on.

When I had the log hide, I had it similar to the way abuja described it. Up against the glass and filled in with moss. Shai' liked it just fine, I'm sure. But like I said, I noticed a definite positive change in her demeanor shortly after the switch.

Do what works best for you and your critter for sure, but that was just my experience.

[Neal]

I believe i'm one of the ones who suggested a log hide. They're other things also, just as long as they're the same its no big deal.

I prefer the exo-terra hides because of the design and all my snakes to date have loved them.