Never uses cold-side hide

[Jswan]

I have had my python for a few months now, and had originally only had one hide in his terrarium, largely because I never used two hides with my family's snake (or maybe I don't remember, I was young), and I also wanted something that looked kind of cool and am a broke student. Anyways, I bought him an identical hide for his cold side about a month ago and he started using it and hanging out around it almost instantly. I felt bad because I figured he was probably wanting to go to the cold side this whole time but was in need of a hide. After a few days though he stopped going in it and, as far as I can tell, hasn't gone in it since. So I'm wondering if this is perhaps because it is too cold? He also always pushes away his substrate on his hot side in his hide, which leads me to the same question. His hot side is usually around 32/33 and his ambient 26/27. Thanks for the help.

[xbikez]

Theres really no need for 2 hides, when I started with ball pythons I had 2 hides but along the way I realized theres no need for two as they dont really use them. I hace never had any problem. A lot of people say just one hide in enough.

[MikeH]

I think he'll really just hang out where he feels comfortable. If he was really too hot, he wouldn't still be in his hot hide. He's just making it a little bit more comfortable. I also have two hides, and I'm going to take the cold hide out. He has not once used it. I wouldn't worry about it much. Maybe drop your hot side temps by 1 or 2 degrees, as mine usually fall around 93-95F. But the hide thing is nothing to worry about. Just stay up on your temps and humidity and you should be fine.

[Pyrate81]

It's up to you if want to use 1 or 2 hides. Let the snake's actions/behaviors dictate if he is ok with it being there or not.

The first few days he was using it was likely to do exploratory action. He was figuring out the changes made to his home and readjusting to the new item you placed therein. Then he probably went back to where he was comfortable. He may also use the cool hide when you don't see him use it.

[Crazymonkee]

It's up to you if want to use 1 or 2 hides. Let the snake's actions/behaviors dictate if he is ok with it being there or not.

The first few days he was using it was likely to do exploratory action. He was figuring out the changes made to his home and readjusting to the new item you placed therein. Then he probably went back to where he was comfortable. He may also use the cool hide when you don't see him use it.

Agreed Lex usually don't move until nightfall lol. Sometimes during the day I even check if she's still breathing and we don't really see what they're doing while we're sleeping!

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[Louie]

I have three hides in my enclosure haha and in cold, hot, and ambient in the middle. My snake always hangs around in the middle then at night he be at hot one. And he be at the cold once a two week or so. I dont know what point im making but I think it is good to have around..just in case lol.

"Snakes don't bite. Just humans."

[Shera]

My baby goes back and forth, but my 1 yr old uses her warm hide when she's shedding, but otherwise often uses the cold hide (except every now and then). Just leave the cool hide there and she may decide to use it at some point, maybe as the seasons change.

[Jswan]

Cool thanks for all the feedback. As far as not seeing him, I'm usually awake for all the hours that he is, as I am currently on a nocturnal type sleep schedule. I think I'll leave it in just for decoration purposes, don't think it could really be doing any damage.

Cheers everyone.