2 hides? thats just silly

[Rickys_Reptiles]

Who ever decided to share to the world that "2 hides are necessary for Ball Pythons". I see it all the time "1 on the hot side, 1 on the cool side".

I'm just going to come out and say it....

You don't need 2 hides! 1 is enough.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Because when providing NEW owners with advice you shoot for what will work to provide an optimum environment until the said owner understand his animal and can experiment, not only with hides but other things as well.

There is a difference between recommending what will work with a new owner and what an advanced owner would do.

I obviously don't recommend things like don't use hide, hot spot, thermometer/hygrometer in the enclosure, feed on arrival etc.... yet this is what I do.

[Rickys_Reptiles]

Because when providing NEW owners with advice you shoot for what will work to provide an optimum environment until the said owner understand his animal and can experiment, not only with hides but other things as well.

There is a difference between recommending what will work with a new owner and what an advanced owner would do.

I obviously don't recommend things like don't use hide, hot spot, thermometer/hygrometer in the enclosure, feed on arrival etc.... yet this is what I do.

Oh, I'm all for recommending what will work - 100% agree. But 2 hides is not needed, and to be honest, I've never understood why so many people regurgitate that information. 1 hide is enough. Many breeders don’t even use hides at all, as you know. Recommending 2 hides, to me, sounds like an idea that was conjured up by the manufacturers and resellers of hides.

That's all - just my opinion.

IT IS MY OPINION - that recommending 2 hides is silly. *NOTE* This is only MY OPINION. not a tested fact. (My original post made it sounds more like a fact, so I just wanted to add this is my opinion only)

[liv]

Who ever decided to share to the world that "2 hides are necessary for Ball Pythons". I see it all the time "1 on the hot side, 1 on the cool side".

I'm just going to come out and say it....

You don't need 2 hides! 1 is enough.

Because most new people are using a completely open glass aquarium, where hides are needed for some cover. I use a rack and only use one hide because it's already pretty dark and enclosed.

[Eric Alan]

I'm wondering what your thinking is behind this fairly controversial black & white statement.

Because I keep my small collection in display-style enclosures (T8s), giving my animals the opportunity to thermoregulate without compromising their need to feel secure is something I feel is beneficial to their health and well-being. An easy way to provide a feeling of security is to provide a hide. More hides = more security. Of course, there are other situations and other enclosures that this is not necessary (many rack systems, for example). However, for most hobbyists (especially new keepers), the cost of a second hide is far lower than the potential negative effects of a ball python that doesn't feel comfortable in its own home.

Thoughts?

[The Serpent Merchant]

Because most new people are using a completely open glass aquarium, where hides are needed for some cover. I use a rack and only use one hide because it's already pretty dark and enclosed.

This, there is a big difference between a tub in a rack and an open glass tank. Most people will say that you only need one (if any) hides when using a rack, but a glass tank in a different matter.

[Rickys_Reptiles]

I've never said 2 hides are BAD, and should never be recommended. I said that they are not "necessary", that you do not "need them".

Of course, there will be some cases where 2 hides are useful. I see the 2nd hide as a resolution to an issue though, not a requirement that belongs on a care sheet. Like orthotics for shoes, they are good in some cases - but only in a few cases... not all cases.

I agree 100%, there are some BPs who don't like to use a warm hide all day, and some of those BPs do get stressed from being exposed and they could benefit from a 2nd hide....but that’s a pretty small percentage of BPs. no?

Anyways. I guess its true. a 2nd hide doesn’t cost a lot more - so its not the end of the world to recommend it just incase.

I guess I just felt like ranting this morning. 1 of THOSE days. Sorry if I offended anyone.



Have a good day

[Diamond Serpents]

Because most new people are using a completely open glass aquarium, where hides are needed for some cover. I use a rack and only use one hide because it's already pretty dark and enclosed.

I agree here, think about it. I gurantee 95% of people here started out with a tank over a rack system so it's more open so the two hides are needed so its just general advice for the novice keeper. I remember you selling your BP tanks before switching over to a rack system because of the efficiency and later learned a rack is more private so no hide or only one hide is needed.

On the other hand for us keepers with experience 99.9% of us have a descent size collection and we converted from a single tank to a rack system. So I agree here with you Rick we know better about hides in our rack system because you aren't a novice keeper so you know better.

[Kaorte]

Let me preface this by saying I do not use two hides and in some cases, I don't use any hides. It depends on the animal.

I keep all my ball pythons in a rack system in a dark room that doesn't get a lot of foot traffic.

The fact of the matter is that most people who are keeping ball pythons as pets are not keeping them the same way a breeder would. So why should we give them advice as if they are keeping them the same way? People come to this forum with questions like "Help my snake isn't eating, what can I do?". I assume you know the basics of ball python care. If a snake doesn't feel safe in its enclosure, it is unlikely to eat. Suggesting 2 hides is not some scheme in order to get you to spend all your money on hides. It is a suggestion that often leads to solving the problem.


I agree with you that ball pythons don't NEED 2 hides, but for new owners keeping their BPs in aquariums, 2 hides can mean the difference between a snake that eats and a snake that is stressed.

[Eric Alan]

Of course, there will be some cases where 2 hides are useful. I see the 2nd hide as a resolution to an issue though, not a requirement that belongs on a care sheet.

But that's exactly where this kind of advice is needed - on a care sheet. Care sheets aren't meant for advanced, or even intermediate, hobbyists. They are meant for beginner keepers. A care sheet is designed as a quick reference for people new to the hobby to resolve as many issues as possible - in most cases before they become issues. Having two hides is an example of a solid recommendation for a relatively common problem.

Side note: I don't think you're offending anyone. I simply feel that your post came across similar to, "Let them eat cake."