Yes, as Damien says, it's perfectly normal. And don't feel bad about having to lift the hide to get him out because if you didn't do that, you might never be able to take him out! My gopher snake is the same way. He LIVES in his hide and the only way I get to see him is if I pick it up and take him out of it. When we're done "socializing" I put him back in his tank, and he will often wait until I am out of sight before going back into it....perhaps he thinks if I don't see him go in, I won't know where to find him next time??? LOL