not using hides

[ReptiNut]

is it bad if the snake doesn't use it's hides? it'll go in but not stay, just lays out in the open

[recycling goddess]

what are you temps at? how do you measure them? and what size snake and enclosure do you have?

[ReptiNut]

80/90, 50-55% humidity, I have an accurite from walmart ... it's in a 10 gallon aquarium now, it (the snake) is small (I know I'll have to go bigger before too long)

the hides are 2 cereal type bowls (brand new) with entrances cut in them .... using newspaper & paper towels now (it had mites)

it's also the one that is giving me trouble eating

[LostElise]

it's also the one that is giving me trouble eating

In my meager experience, I wouldn't have thought you had a problem until you mentioned the eating issue. My snake is in a 30g with crumpled newspaper in there as well as a towel covering part of the cage (so it may seem fairly secure at all times to the snake without being witness to a lot of traffic). Because of that, two hides, two water bowls (both for humidity, one of which featuring a bubbler) I think my tank is busy enough for me to sometimes find her climbing over the hide, though she does spend time in the hides as well. However, if yours isn't eating easily, it makes me wonder is this is a not-happy snake. I'd boost the heat to 84/94. Your saying she had mites makes me wonder if she might not also have parasites? I guess I should search through threads and find out what the actual issue is with eating. A final thought, if you're using a heat lamp, she might be trying to get direct heat from the heat lamp by laying out in the open?


Rachel

[Kizerk]

i have 1 snake that never uses his hide, he's a great eater

[Freakie_frog]

My normal male and my het pied are staying out of their hides alot lately not really sure why is realy up to the snake. if they are comfortable then they might not hide as much.