Big Gunns has given this lesson, and now he'll give it again.If you have a rack, BG suggests no hides. If the snake is a problem feeder you may want to give it one, but don't do it otherwise.
Here's the problem. A snake with a hide is more likely to be a shy snake. Breeders that use hides with their snakes, invariably have feeding problems when they sell their snakes to someone else. If the person doesn't use a hide, the snake may not eat. BG knows a big breeder with this problem, but he'll never change.
If you buy a baby ball, don't use a hide. A tank set up is a leeetle different, but BG still hates hides. Tree branches and other places to hide are better. BG suggestions for hides is this......only use them when a snake is a finicky eater.