Hides for the big guys?

[Caitlin]

Hi, all - I am helping get some supplies together for the owner of a 9-foot Burm whose apartment building burned down. They lost everything; he ran back inside and rescued his snake.

My question is whether you guys use hides for your snakes that size and if so, what do you use for them?

Thanks in advance for any input!

[jmcrook]

Concrete mixing tubs/restaurant bus tubs and the like. Provided the enclosure is big enough for a hide that size

[Caitlin]

Thanks! We are getting him a 6x2x2 enclosure. Long story, but we originally fundraised 750 for an enclosure for him, the money was given to a company that claims they built it but never shipped it. After months of excuses and BS we've given up and are starting over with the enclosure.

[Bogertophis]

How awful about the fire, so glad they got their snake out though.

I'm not a keeper of "the big ones" but I've heard some say they cut a doorway into those heavy-duty black cement-mixing tubs they sell @ Home Depot or Lowe's. Some also have used new plastic cat litter boxes with a doorway cut into it.

I do think all snakes appreciate hides, & always use them for mine. The biggest hides I have are about 18" x 12" but they're old & I have no idea who made them, even if they were big enough.

In a temporary pinch, a clean cardboard box works okay- with a doorway cut & it's disposable when soiled- the only trouble is they're so lightweight for big snakes- very easy to flip. I tend to think the cement-mixing tubs are the best bet (heavier)-& they're the right shape, just harder to cut into for a doorway.

[Caitlin]

I like cardboard hides of various types for all of my snakes. I am fortunate enough to be able to provide them each with a nice PVC enclosure and some good hides, but a lot of them just plain like the cardboard. Right now I am looking at one of my Children's Pythons in a spiffy new enclosure with pretty hides, and which hide is her favorite? The cardboard paper towel roll.

[Bogertophis]

I like cardboard hides of various types for all of my snakes. I am fortunate enough to be able to provide them each with a nice PVC enclosure and some good hides, but a lot of them just plain like the cardboard. Right now I am looking at one of my Children's Pythons in a spiffy new enclosure with pretty hides, and which hide is her favorite? The cardboard paper towel roll.

I know what you mean, I like using cardboard boxes for some of mine too- you can customize really well. And I don't keep any fussy BPs that would be weirded-out (indecisive about the best temperatures) if they had unmatched hides. Cardboard rolls & all sorts of things seem to be fun for rat snakes & so many others. (kings, corns, gophers, yes Children's too, I'm sure)

[bcr229]

If the burm isn't too thick then you can try a tub used for bussing tables at restaurants. They're pretty cheap. You'd just have to find someone to cut the access hole if you don't have the tools.

[Gio]

If your snake doesn't have a lot more growing to do, you could try the realistic, tortoise shell hide.

This retic was pushing 9 feet, although he was very lean, and still fit into this hide.

My thicker, but shorter boa also fits well.

Just a thought, but I'm sure your animal will exceed the size of what I had.






I miss this guy in certain ways after I post up his photos.

If you like the look of this and think your snake will fit, it might be worth a shot.

Good luck with whatever you do.