DIY Cheap Snake Hides

I believe the most important thing in your snake's tank besides the UTH or heat lap is the Hides. Most care guides will say you should have 2 of them. One on cool side and one on the warm side. 

Of course, the only harm it could do is to your wallet. Small hides cost around $10. So you would be spending at least $20 on hides at the pet store. But what happens if you have a larger snake. The only ones pet stores have for larger snakes is the half log. And those are not dark enough for the easily stressed Ball Python. 

Here I'm going to list some things that I use or have used in my own snake tanks. They are all very low in cost and will give your snake the most comfort. But not all of them are pretty looking. So beware. ;)

• Plastic Serving Tray 

I got my Pastel Ball Python when he was an adult and found a hard time getting a hide that was dark enough. So stupidly I bought the biggest size of half log. That was $17 in the garbage. 

Instead, head over to the dollarstore and spend two dollars on a plastic serving tray. They come in many different colours and sizes, so choose one that is the best for you and your tank. 

Place it in the tank and your snake will squeeze itself under it. Perfect for Ball Pythons who need very small hides. 

Total Price: $2 x 2 = $4

• Nut Containers 

After eating all those nice peanuts or whatever else is in those small metal containers, you should use them in your snake tanks. These are perfect for small baby corn snakes. 

But make sure to check all the edges. Some may be sharp, so those aren't useable. You wouldn't want your snake losing some scales. 

You can wash these out with a water/bleach solution. Use as little bleach as possible and let it dry overnight. 

Place them down on the substrate and your snake will squeeze under to get inside. 

Total Price: $3 x 2 = $6

• Margarine Tubs

These are one of the most popular cheap hides and for a good reason. Everyone has to have butter or margarine in the fridge and most people throw away the tubs. So if you don't have one handy, almost anyone will. You can get these in both small and larger sizes.

Just cut a small hole in the side, just big enough for the snake to get through. If the edges are rough, take a lighter and melt the plastic until the edges become smooth. 

Total Price: $1-$10 x 2 = $2-$20

• Rolled Wafer Containers 

If you've bought rolled wafers before you know that the snack comes in a small metal cylinder. This can be easily turned into a small hide. Just take of the lid, wash and put into the tank. Perfect for small baby corns and kings. 

Total Price: $1.50 x 2 = $3

• Your Messy Cupboards

We all have that one messy cupboard or at least know someone who does. Most of us also by a ton of those little plastic containers, thinking we're actually going to use them. Well, most of us don't and they end up sitting in the cupboard. 

So next time you need a snake hide, just look there. 

Sure, most of them are clear and not very secure. But you could use substrate or fake plants to make the hide more secure for your snake. 

Total Price: ???

Anyway, hopefully you got some interesting tricks out of this post. I also hope you get a new hide for your snake. Even if they don't need a new one. It's alway fun to see your snake explore something new. And it's very cute when you walk into the room and see it relaxing in it's new hide. 

Do you guys have any other cheap or DIY hide ideas? Well, help me and the other snake owners that find this blog! Share your tricks and ideas. 

Cheers,

Sammi