I have all my snakes in racks and I dont generally keep hides in there. There are a few balls that prefer them for the most part they hide under the news paper. I havent really seen any difference in feeding and they dont seem stressed to me. Just my opinion. I know a few guys who keep hides in there and some who dont. Maybe just a matter of what you want. But I personally dont like having a 32qt tub cluttered up with a hide. Just my thoughts