I don't use hides in general.
I have one hide for one extremely picky eater and one maybe for shy babies.
They are in an enclosed rack where the rack itself can be seen as a hide.
"Two hides" advice is part of the default set up that will work for new keepers.
As they gain experience, they learn what works for their animals and what does. 80% of my animals don't care if they have a hide. However, the other 20% seem to eat better and more consistently with a hide.
My tubs are heated perfectly, but if I had a larger tank where there was a significant cold side, I would probably use two or more hides. I know certain ball pythons would rather sit in cool end hide than go to a heat source with no hide. If that ambient cool end was too cold and the snake refuses to leave the hide, it could result in an RI snake. I know the scenario sounds silly, but it happens with unknowledgeable new keepers.
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