sand subst

[da_illest]

what substrate do u guys recommend using on a kenyan sand boa... i'm asking cause i'm getting one tomorrow and i read in a couple places that sand causes gum problems... i want to use sand but read that aspen shavings are better :confused:

[BoidKeeper]

I don't know any KSB breeders that use sand.
Some of the best I've used and or heard of are,
Betta Chip
Alpha Chip
Shreded Aspine
I've also been thinking of trying dry ecco earth. I put a Leo on it recently and it seems to be working well. If you're looking for a more natural looking substrate I would give that a try.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Tigergenesis]

I've heard great things about the substrates Trevor mentioned. I have my KSB on crushed walnut shells. Easy to clean, nice look and pleasant smell. Just have to feed outside the tank is all. You can see pics of the setup in my album:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules.php?set_albumName=Tigergenesis-s-Album&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[da_illest]

can i use normal sized shaved aspen? or will that hurt the boa? because i can't find any fine shredded aspen...

[Invictus]

Try Walmart - they have very finely shredded aspen. I personally use this for my Kenyans with great success. The main reasons I refuse to use sand is 1) Even in Kenyans, it does cause impactions, 2) It traps heat and can get the warm spot WAY too high, and 3) It has absolutely terrible oxygen flow. When I have seen sand boas in pet stores on sand, they always have to have their noses poking out of the sand just to breathe. My kenyans can bury themselves completely and stay there for days if they want to. :)

But, if you can't find finely-shredded, the regular shred is just fine too - in fact, there's even less chance of them ingesting it.

[da_illest]

won't the bigger pieces hurt the KSB's eyes?? or scratch him?