Question to people who use tubs....

[giaach]

In all the caresheets it says that ball pythons need two hides. One on the warm side and one on the cool side. But I've noticed that a lot of people that use tubs have only one hide. Most of the examples of this are plastic tubs in racks. If your warm side stays consistent do you not need a hid for the cooler side?

[Nate]

I think it's typical to see a lot of rack systems like that...some even with no hides, because when the tub is all the way in, the back of the tub is nice and dark...like a hide. so, if the rack makes the hide for you, no need to put on in

[Krazy99CL]

I think it's typical to see a lot of rack systems like that...some even with no hides, because when the tub is all the way in, the back of the tub is nice and dark...like a hide. so, if the rack makes the hide for you, no need to put on in

100% agree....My suggestion is try without hides 1st, if feeding is a problem put hides and try the next week.


I dont do hides for my sumatran, but every snake is different.

[JoshJP7]

I personally feel that 2 hides is necessary. Will your snake die without them? obviously not but all of my snakes thermoregulate from cool side to warm side hides... you can get all balck zilla hides for like 3$ a piece so to me the 6$ is worth it. I only offered 1 hide to my first bp and it was always in it and never outside other than @night... I got a second hide and it obviously used both sides. Some snakes may be comfortable chillen on the cool side without a hide and others may not be... Since I cant speak snake and get an answer directly for them I just let them choose.

[dalvers63]

I don't have any hides in my racks and my BPs do great. So, try without and if you have problems then you can add them in. A lot depends on your snakes and their comfort level.

[Freakie_frog]

Ok I can only tell you what I do and why. I offer one hide in my racks except for my hatchling rack. The idea is that the tub in a rack setup is supposed to act like one big hide. I offer one hide in my 32 and 41 qt racks just to give the snake a tight secure place in side the tub. I know some people that don't offer hides at all and some like me that do. All I can say is try it with out and see how it works and if you start noticing problems offer them hides.

[Petboy15]

I give some hides, and some dont have any. It depends on if the animal wants one or doesnt mind having none.

[LadyOhh]

I don't have hides, and they just go where they please.

The only time I have to spring for a hide is when they won't eat for several weeks.

That is when they need something more secure.

[janeothejungle]

I agree with most of the above. I think it depends on the snake. I have a few shy snakes that need 2 hides to thrive. I also have snakes that like one comfy hide for occasional use. And, of course, there are a few who don't seem to want a hide when I offer it and so it gets taken out.

It's just whatever works for your snakes that matters.

Cheers,
Kat

[NickP]

Do you guys still provide the temperature gradient? I'm guessing with two UTHs per tub? What about people with more than 50 snakes. How do you guys provide a gradient and heat up the tubs?