A question on substrates

[Lupinus]

So after some more looking around, I have a couple of substrate questions. The more I look around and think about it, the more I am leaning towards a corn snake.

The first questions is, is it generally a good idea to keep a new snake on newspaper or something similar for a certain period to make it easier to detect mites or other issues? If so whats the rule of thumb on how long the basic substrate should be used before moving to a different bedding?

Which leads me in to question two....

Ultimately I'd prefer a bedding with a more natural appearance than newspaper/paper towels/etc. I'm seeing recommendations on various websites for aspen shavings, repti bark, a few other commercial mixtures, coconut husk, mulch (which I understand to be specifically pet intended substrate, not home depot type much correct?), carefresh, etc. Are there any that are particularly good or types that should be avoided?

[brylecc1989]

Personally, I love the look and easy care of Coco husk. And I think 30 on newspaper should put any doubts to rest about mites/health.

[slowhite03]

Aspen is ok for some snakes but just be aware it is dusty as hell. One of my snakes got allergies from it and is now on reptile carpet and that is so much easier and nicer to look at then paper towels or newspaper

[bcr229]

I like to keep new arrivals in QT on white paper towels (buy the cheap bulk packs). I pre-treat with PAM and allow the towel to dry before using it. If the snake has mites, you'll know it within hours. Snakes in the rack are on newspaper.

For a corn/milk/king I really like shaved aspen. Cypress is nice but I reserve it for the boas and ball pythons since it is great for maintaining humidity, and it's a bit of a drive for us to buy it direct from a mill, where aspen is readily available locally. Avoid pine, cedar, and black walnut as they have oils that are harmful to snakes. I tried repti-bark and didn't like it as it was very dusty compared to cypress and aspen.

If you go with cypress mulch from a nursery make sure it says "100% Cypress". Anything marked "blend" is usually mixed with pine.

[Amadeus]

Cypress mulch ftw. It's really cheap if you buy the bulk organic mulch at homedepot.

[Mikoh4792]

I like critter's crumble. It's cocohusk that comes in two grains. Fine and Coarse.

[Amadeus]

I like critter's crumble. It's cocohusk that comes in two grains. Fine and Coarse.

The last time I tried coco husk it got really moldy, you have this problem?

[Lankyrob]

My next snake viv will be a bioactive one with a soils/sand mixture but as you are starting out i would go with reptibark, have used it for three years and had no issues whatsoever

[Mikoh4792]

The last time I tried coco husk it got really moldy, you have this problem?

I've had this problem only once. And this was when I had trouble reading humidity levels due to faulty instruments( analog pet store gauges). So basically, I kept the cocohusk wet all the time and threw it out once I started to notice mold. Ever since then I have not had a mold problem. Instead of keeping the substrate wet, I just mist it every now and then and all is good.

[Starbuck]

if you have no other snakes, i would say 2-3 weeks is sufficient time to see any issues like mites etc, and to monitor several defecations and eating. I also like to keep a notebook where i record all feedings, sheds, issues, etc.
After the initial period of quarantine; i would say most of the above substrates are good choices. I house all my snakes on shaved aspen (bulk buy for 5$ at TSC), but i do like cypress mulch and cocohusk (and blends of the two). Corns are pretty easy in terms of humidity. If you ever consider a tropical snake like a ball python, i would not use aspen (too dry, molds when wet).

IMPORTANT: If you currently have or in the future plan to get another snake, you MUST quarantine the new addition for ~3 months. this means keeping the snake in a separate room, using separate tools (tongs, hooks, water bowls etc) for the duration of this time. Many diseases have long latency periods on reptiles.

have fun with your new snake, and good job asking these questions now rather than later (too lat-er).

[Lupinus]

Thanks all!

I'm leaning heavily towards either the mulch or cocoa husk option.

Next question...how thick should the substrate layer be (assuming I go with the mulch or husk)? Couple inches?

[Starbuck]

i dont think you can go with 'too much' substrate, except functionally your snake may stay hidden for long periods, and you'll have to destroy his tunnels etc if and when you try to find him.

For a baby, i would definitely make sure you have at least 2 inches so he CAN burrow and feel secure. As he gets bigger, you can add/subtract to suit your needs and the snakes.

[poison123]

I keep my corn on a bio-active setup and would recommend it for anyone.

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/ii600/poison619/P1030886_zps64c82c73.jpg