Back in the saddle again

[dakski]

Ziggy,

Glad to see the new addition and that she's doing well.

On the hides - my boas are often not in them. They tend to use them in shed and after eating but even then it's not a given. They spend a lot of time hanging in the open waiting for food.

They also like to wedge themselves next to the hides and up agains the plexiglass doors or the tank side. They seem less in need of hiding than other snake species in my observation.

Full disclosure, I have drapes up over their tanks to keep them (mostly) from striking when then see movement hoping for food - especially at night and when other snakes are being fed (who eat more frequently). That might help them feel more secure as well. However, even when putting them back in their enclosures, they tend to explore or hang instead of looking for a hide. Other snakes I have (and have had) look pretty quickly for a hide.

Anyway, good luck with her and keep us posted.

[Bogertophis]

My BCI used & obviously loved her hides. I think most young boids were not raised with them though, so it can take time for them to accept them as a safety zone.

It might also have something to do with boids being built heavier, & not feeling secure with the lighter weight hides that easily move when they slide against them? Try some "unofficial" but safe things for her to use as "hides" (including tubular things), & especially things she can only just fit snuggly into- many snakes want "back pressure". Or try offering a box containing deep substrate she can burrow into.

Snakes that appreciate hides generally don't want "high ceilings" or big doorways. For hatchling & neonate snakes, most commercial hides are guilty of both. When using those standard black "Reptile Basics" (& other brands) hides, try crumpling soft paper towels & stuffing some in the hide- you'd be surprised how comforting that is to a snake- both the traction & sense of security.

And anyway, don't make changes constantly or too quickly either...maybe it's just all still feeling "too new" or scary to her.