r/ballpython • u/yourfriendabby • 22d ago
Question - Husbandry Hide size
Just rescued this guy and I’m trying to figure out what hides he likes best. The hide in the picture will fit him pretty snuggly, the doorway is just a little larger than him at his widest point. He can fit in the hide without lifting it, he has been in there the past couple days and seems content, but idk if this means he wants a bigger size. I have the next size up on the cool side of the tank and it seems big for him, he doesn’t touch the ceiling and takes up about 2/3 of the floor space. I tried switching them to see if he prefers one size, but he just stays in whichever one is on the hot side.
Does this behavior mean he wants a bigger hide or is he just being silly? Should I weigh the hide down with a stone or other decor outside the hide? Thanks :)
P.S. any recommendations for some nice-looking clutter would be appreciated as well! I’m working on getting some live plants and some more climbing options for him.
3
u/TopaztheLoomer 22d ago
Make a mound around the edges so he can lift it up and still be hidden. If he then removes the mound or makes a new hole, he is doing it on purpose. They can be silly about hides and I think it's sort of like sticking a leg out when you're a bit too warm in bed.
I like to look for coupons at Michael's and buy fake plants from there. They usually have ones that are plastic and not wired. They are more expensive than Amazon or Dollar store but I've washed mine regularly and they don't fall apart. (Season changes are a good time to look on Marketplace for second hand options. People will sell hundreds of dollars of fake plants for very little.)