Odd Hiding

[ElectricPaladin]

Long time, no post. I'm back with a question regarding Jabberwock's hiding behavior.

For a long time, the Jabs' only hide was placed smack in the middle of the tank - right under the heating spotlight - where it could double as a basking platform. It was also just a bit too small, so he used it rarely. Recently, I got him a much larger, more comfortable hide and placed it in the cool end of the tank. He took to it very well and immediately moved in.

And refused to leave it.

For two days.

Finally, I had to remove the hide in order to spray and feed him. Once I put the hide back in, he went back into it and again refused to come out.

Can anyone help me figure out what's going on? I'd hate to have a hideless lizard, since I know that adds to their stress. However, I'm afraid that if he keeps on spending all day in the hide, he'll fail to bask and develop MBD, not to mention that it's a pain in the butt to feed and water him.

Thanks in advance.

 

[StaceysBuddy]

Maybe take it out for a few hours a day?

 

[ElectricPaladin]

That wouldn't be an option - I'm gone way too much of the day.

In the end, I just rearranged the viv a bit to find a place for the hide on the side he doesn't prefer it. He still visits it occasionally, but doesn't get obsessed. I'd love to understand why he's doing this, but the problem is more or less solved.

 

[PudgysMom]

I am the opposite. Mine WON'T use his hide!

Glad you got it worked out.