Hides with a Rack system?

[Firefur]

so here's a potentially stupid question. i was at my local reptile store and they mentioned that because of how dark the inside of a reptile basic iris CB-70 rack is i dont need hides. is that true?

 

[Nanci]

I have my babies in Reptile Basics racks, so- dark inside. The babies all have toilet paper tubes or toothpaste boxes, flattened, and all either use those or burrow under the substrate.

It isn't the darkness that is the most attractive feature for the snake, it's the close fit. You can see this demonstrated when reptile exhibits offer clear glass plates as hides. You'll see coral snakes curled up cozily beneath the glass, right in broad daylight. The snake feels the enclosed space, and thinks it is in a safe place.

 

[maxfox426]

I have my babies in Reptile Basics racks, so- dark inside. The babies all have toilet paper tubes or toothpaste boxes, flattened, and all either use those or burrow under the substrate.

It isn't the darkness that is the most attractive feature for the snake, it's the close fit. You can see this demonstrated when reptile exhibits offer clear glass plates as hides. You'll see coral snakes curled up cozily beneath the glass, right in broad daylight. The snake feels the enclosed space, and thinks it is in a safe place.

^^ Yup, this. Snakes do have a preference for finding a close space to feel secure in, not necessarily the light vs. dark.

For my adults, I just use empty Kleenex boxes in my rack, plus I use large molded plastic water bowls with space underneath for hiding. Babies have TP tubes and molded plastic bowls.

Also, not a stupid question at all! In fact, good on you for using some critical thinking on the subject and looking for answers.

 

[JentherophisGuttatus]

I use empty yogurt cups turned upside-down with a hole cut in one side for baby snakes; they love it, and it fits well into a rack system. Although, for adult corns, if the cage is cozy enough, a hide isn't necessarily a must. Depends on the snakes; both of my adults just use the newspaper to hide under.

 

[nexivred]

I never thought about hides with regards to them feeling safe before. That's great info!

 

[knox]

I use hides in my AP Rack. My Cal King seems content, though, to hang out up front - watching everything that's going on. My corns use the hides a lot.

 

[Chip]

The little hides RBI makes are my favorite. Easy to clean, stack-able, and lightweight. Minis, mediums, and large size are all you will need with corns. The others are too tall for their preference: http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes