Vermiculite or forest soil?

[AlexPan]

Hey every one. I have just took all of the sand from all of my snakes, and was wandering can i just dig up some soil in the forest? If i freeze the soil before pooting it in will it be ok or the worms and what ever is in there could wrot or infect my snake? Or it would be best to get vermiculite (why?)? Thanks.

[SerpentLust]

I personally use Cypress Mulch, aka "Forest Floor". I think there's a way to sanitize bark which involves baking it. And I'd love to know how that works so hopefully someone will tell us that.

You can always do the newspaper and/or paper towel method until you find a more natural substrate.

[panther_dude]

if you want to use soil i would sudjest linning a baking sheet with tin foil, then spreading an even amount over it again covering it with tin foil. Pre-heat your oven to around 400 degree f and bake the soil for around 20 to 25 minutes. Freezing will not really do much, as some insects and other criters you dont want in with your snake will just go into suspended animation when frozen. Which is for winter and is just a big sleep. When you defrost it they will all wake up a probably be hungry:( .

You can use the same method with bark. Also if you cut branches off of trees it is a good idea to wrap them in tin foil and again bake them.

[AlexPan]

I guess i'l do that cooking method panther_dude. Thanks every one.