I have the typical plastic hides, one hot side, one cool side. I also have three large hollow cork rounds my snake can/does use. They are longer than the boxes, but much narrower, and he uses all of his hides, but prefers one cork hide in particular that surprises me because I'd say he's full grown now, but slips into easily and spends most of his time there. From what Ive experienced reading on here, its mainly about snakes being able to feel secure in a spot that. is their favorite.