Imo, hides are a necessity for any snake that will utilize them. I just don't see how forcing a nervous snake to be out in the open is going to help them calm down.
It sounds to me that your boa is just nippy, which is perfectly normal (she is a Nic, lol). I would personally recommend leaving the hides in, whether or not she uses them. Removing the hides may not make any difference at all (some boas just don't use hides), but I could also see how removing the hides could stress her out and worsen her temperament. I simply don't believe that denying a snake a place to hide could possibly relax them.
I mean, it's your call, you can try it if you want. I personally don't think it could change anything for the better.
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