Never uses hide

[amandersen]

Hey guys. I have a female colombian red tail boa. I was just wondering, how often should they be using their hide? Eve hardly ever goes in hers. Let me tell you about her set up.

40 gallon breeder tank
ambient air stays around 82, and at night drops to about 76
hot side has UTH with thermostat and stays 88-90
hides on both sides of tank
humidity is 50-55
eats large rat every other week, never refused

she has shed once with me and it came off perfectly.

the only time i see her use her hide is for a couple hours after she eats. She prefers to stay in the corner behind some of the fake vines i have in there. She is acting perfectly healthy.

I just didn't know if boas were supposed to want to hide a lot like BPs.

[Evenstar]

Boas are not at all like balls. Many will never use a hide. They just are not as shy. I have several that are always in them and several that never are. I do continue to provide a hide in case the snake decides to use it, but many do not.

Your set up sounds fine. Pictures would be nice! We like pics............

[amandersen]

Thanks! I just want to make sure I'm doing things right! Here are some pics!!

[IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]

[Evenstar]

Very nice! I like her pattern!

[mustang91302]

My hog island has a tree in with her she spends more time on the tree then in her hide

[bcr229]

Sounds like normal behavior. Mine is a bit older and primarily uses her hot side hide for a few days after she eats, the rest of the time she's out.

[amandersen]

How much do red tails climb? I know every one is different, but on average? I want to get her a climbing branch but I don't know how much use she will get out of it

[Gio]

First off,,, what a beauty! Secondly, that's the reason we have boas. We don't want them trembling and scared in a hide 24/7 like mine that hasn't eaten since X-mas Eve.

You have perfect behavior with yours. Those vines you have are providing a "top cover" which is pretty natural. She feels secure and probably feels like the area is great for ambushing prey.

The beauty is she is visible to you!! The best thing about snakes when we are not feeding them, is to see them. Moving or resting does not matter. My boa likes his perches and stays on them.

Our Royal is the basically hidden all the time and I could have an empty tank and not know the difference.

Its the reason I went boa. I have 2 great snakes in my son's Royal, she is easy, mellow and a joy to handle but boring and and the boa which is all of the above, but also social and much more active.

You are doing great! Enjoy that characteristic!

[rocknhorse76]

Great looking little girl. As long as she's eating well, I wouldn't concern myself over her lack of hide useage. Humidity could be a bit higher, but it sounds like she's a happy snake!

[Gio]

First off,,, what a beauty! Secondly, that's the reason we have boas. We don't want them trembling and scared in a hide 24/7 like mine that hasn't eaten since X-mas Eve.

You have perfect behavior with yours. Those vines you have are providing a "top cover" which is pretty natural. She feels secure and probably feels like the area is great for ambushing prey.

The beauty is she is visible to you!! The best thing about snakes when we are not feeding them, is to see them. Moving or resting does not matter. My boa likes his perches and stays on them.

Our Royal is the basically hidden all the time and I could have an empty tank and not know the difference.

Its the reason I went boa. I have 2 great snakes in my son's Royal, she is easy, mellow and a joy to handle but boring and and the boa which is all of the above, but also social and much more active.

You are doing great! Enjoy that characteristic!

That scared and not eating part was directed at our Royal not the boa. LOL!