My pytHon loves his hiding spots and the key is to have it smaller than what you think because they would like to have all their sides touch the sides of the hiding area. So what he loves best is the box that came from the lamp. It is a square box with a circular hole on the top and bottom. It's so cute when he pokes his face out the top of the whole! :-) check out craigslist, offer up, and any site that has classified sales to find the set up at a cheaper price. Also, I had cedar shavings out some type of shavings but when he ate he always got a piece in his mouth. He would not swallow it but it was still annoying for him to have to spit it out so I now use a mat that restaurants use for the floor behind the bar area and in the kitchen area, the one that's black with holes in it. It also helps them with shedding! :-)