substrate

[ilikebeer]

hey for my pythons id like to change from newspaper to something ...any suggestions....although i like newspaper b/c they can hid under it at any spot of the tank they want...so just in case they dont like my hiding spots they can choose where to hide themselves inder the paper.....so should i just keep the newspaper there

[Vengeance]

Nothing wrong with keeping newspaper, it cheap and effective. I like a particle substrate, so I use carefresh. I think it's a shreded version or some sort of paper.

[SnakeyeZ]

Many Types of substrates, some work with snakes better than others. Newspaper, or paper towl..its cheap, easy to clean,(especially for colubrids) un-attractive, but does the job. I also use Aspen, for my spotted and ball pythons. You can also use repti-bark or cardboard..really depends on the snake,and its enviroment.

[lostwithin]

Hi, I have gone through all sorts of substrates and I would have too suggest keeping it simple, its more cost effective, the only was I would go back too using a natural substrate is if I put up a large enough enclosure that I can plant plants and let it cycle itself naturally (which isn’t likely). News paper always bothered me, astro turf looked better but would fall apart on me when I would clean it, Paper towel rips apart too easily, unless you pick up the heavy duty stuff from a hardware store. Right now I’m using bath/beach towels and I haven’t found a big problem with them, they are cheap (Wal-Mart) and come in any color or thickness and any measurement. I use green ones, they look good and are great for cleaning up, after the snake defecates I just toss the large part use the other end of the towel too wipe down the cage and toss it in the wash, couldn’t be easier it’s a substrate and a cleaning tool. Also works great when a boa flips a water dish or gets in too soak and it over flows, (my boas love spilling water) and it absorbs the water making for an easy cleanup. It also works the same way as newspaper because the snake can hide under it whenever it would like. I use 4’x2 ‘ green bath towels and for smaller cages just fold them. Somebody suggested this too me a while ago and I since have switched all my cages too it.

Devon

[SnakeyeZ]

Never heard of using towls...but not a bad idea lol, but...ill stick with my newspaper. lol

[lostwithin]

Newspaper does work, but I don’t like the look of it, and also the ink rubs off on albinos making them look dirty all the time, plus the towels work wonders during shed, you just wet the rowel and put it back in, it will dry out under the heated side of the cage raising the humidity and it will stay damp in the cooler side giving a humid hide.

Devon

[alfiep]

hi i`m from the uk and the majority of people this side of the pond use either aspen or newspaper i personaly use newspaper in my snakes vivs as you run the risk of impaction when using particle substrate

[Rina]

We have used what is called "Breeders Choice" which is a kitty litter that is made out of recycled paper created into small pellets. Works really well and aids in helping any areas tha have moisture-water spillage or defecation clump for easy cleaning.
Equally the old standby newspaper is our choice with absorbent paper for hatchlings.
Regards Rina

[JeffWaters]

I have started using the paper that doctors use on their examining tables. More absorabnt than newspaper, all white, can be cut into any size needed.
It works incredibly well.

[Brad C]

1. Newspaper for bigger snakes such as Boas and Pythons.
2. Aspen for Colubrids.
3. Cypress, sphagnum moss, for Humidity loving snakes.

Also for leopard geckos I use paper towls or tiles. This is what I believe works best.

[lostwithin]

Hey, although I personally hate using cypress mulch because I find it's expensive and have to be replaced to often. But I am agree 100% on the use of sphagnum moss, it makes a Great substrate.

Devon