The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Ball Python Hides
As a ball python owner, providing proper housing for your snake is crucial to keeping them healthy and happy A key part of any ball python enclosure are hides – enclosed spaces where your snake can retreat to feel secure. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to select the right hides for your ball python’s needs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to choose the ideal hides for your snake’s enclosure
Why Ball Pythons Need Hides
In the wild, ball pythons spend much of their time tucked away in burrows, holes, and other sheltered areas. Hides replicate this secure environment, giving ball pythons places to retreat to when they feel threatened. Stress is dangerous for snakes, so hides are vital for reducing anxiety and promoting overall wellbeing.
Specific benefits of ball python hides include
- Providing security and comfort
- Regulating body temperature
- Aiding digestion
- Avoiding stress during shedding cycles
- Providing egg-laying spots for females
By satisfying their innate need for seclusion, hides keep pet ball pythons calm and healthy.
How Many Hides Does a Ball Python Need?
Most experts recommend providing at least two hides – one on the warm end and one on the cool end of the enclosure. This allows your snake to thermoregulate by moving between hides as needed.
While two hides is sufficient, adding more is beneficial. Ball pythons are shy, terrestrial snakes that spend much of their time concealed in hiding spots. The more options you provide, the more secure your snake will feel. Just be sure the hides are appropriately sized and dispersed throughout the enclosure.
Hide Placement Tips
- Place hides on the warm and cool end of the tank
- Avoid clustering multiple hides together
- Spread hides out to encourage exploration
- Add a humid hide with moss for shedding
- Replace hides as your snake grows
What to Look for in Ball Python Hides
When equipping your ball python’s home, look for hides that meet the following criteria:
Secure – Choose hides with one entrance to provide security. Avoid open hides.
Snug – Opt for hides that are just big enough for your snake to fit tightly in. No excess room.
Opaque – Pick dark, enclosed hides that block light and create a sheltered environment.
Sturdy – Select sturdy hides that won’t easily tip over or collapse on your snake.
Natural – Choose hides made from natural materials like wood, stone, and plants for an authentic look.
Easy to Clean – Find hides that are simple to disinfect between uses to maintain hygiene.
Shedding Aid – Consider adding a textured hide to help remove old skin during sheds.
With these factors in mind, you can provide hides that meet all your ball python’s needs for security and seclusion.
9 Top Ball Python Hide Recommendations
To help you shop, here are 9 excellent ball python hide options to consider:
- Exo Terra Snake Cave
A naturalistic hide made of moss, perfect for maintaining humidity.
- Zoo Med Reptile Shelter
A 3-in-1 cave that can be used as a humid hide or nesting box.
- Zilla Rock Lair
A heavy, secure hide that holds humidity well. Comes in multiple sizes.
- Pangea Reptile Hide Box
An affordable, sturdy plastic hide available in many sizes.
- Zilla Bark Bends Hideout
A realistic log hide that provides security and climbing opportunities.
- Exo Terra Reptile Cave
A natural-looking, sanitizable resin cave that’s easy to clean.
- Zilla Den Rock
Handcrafted hide with a textured exterior to aid shedding.
- Niteangel Coconut Hideout
All-natural hide that fits snugly and provides enrichment.
- Zilla Herp Hotel
Features platforms, stairs, and hiding spots for climbing and basking.
By selecting from hides like these and others that meet your snake’s needs, you can create an enclosure that makes your ball python feel right at home.
Hide Maintenance Tips
To keep your ball python hides hygienic and safe:
- Spot clean waste immediately
- Disinfect hides before placing them in the enclosure
- Periodically replace old hides with new ones
- Ensure hides fit properly as your snake grows
- Watch for sharp edges or splinters
With regular maintenance, your snake’s hides will provide security for years to come.
The Takeaway
Hideouts are a fundamental part of any healthy ball python habitat. By selecting the ideal number of appropriately sized, secure hides, you can reduce stress and keep your snake thriving. Place hides strategically throughout your snake’s home and be diligent about upkeep. With the right hides, your ball python will feel comfortable exploring their surroundings and engaging in natural behaviors. Equip your snake’s home with quality hides today!
Comparing Hides: Price and Size.
FAQ
Do ball pythons need a hide?
Many breeders keep their ball pythons in plastic sweater boxes in large rack systems. All ball pythons need hide boxes in their cages to feel secure.
What size hide for adult ball python?
Extra Large
16.25″x11″x4. 5″. Ideal for normal to large-size adult ball pythons and medium boas or womas.
How to tell if a ball python is stressed?
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Bolting or Rapid Movement:A stressed ball python might try to escape by moving quickly or bolting, especially when handled.
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Coiling Tightly:A defensive posture, where the snake coils tightly around itself, can indicate stress.
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Tensed Muscles:A stressed ball python might appear stiff and tense, with muscles contracted, especially when handled.
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Slow or Extended Tongue Flicks:Normal tongue flicks are quick, but if you notice slow or prolonged tongue flicks, it could be a sign of stress.
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Hyper-focusing:A snake that feels threatened might hyper-focus on what it perceives as a threat, such as a hand or object, rather than exploring its surroundings.
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Changes in Activity Levels:A ball python that is usually active might become lethargic or hide more, while a normally inactive snake may become more restless.
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Refusal to Eat:A stressed snake may refuse to eat, even if it is hungry.
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Changes in Shedding:A stressed snake may also have difficulty shedding or may shed incompletely.
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Some species of snakes, including ball pythons, may wag their tails when stressed.
Why does my ball python stay in his hide all the time?
Ball pythons are shy snakes that spend MOST of their time hiding, even when they haven’t just moved into a new place. Not the most exciting pet snakes to keep, but pretty, & normally sweet-natured at least.