Substrate for Short Tail

[hooter]

I have seen people use newspaper and damp sphagnum moss for Short Tail substrate. My question is what is best for the snake?:

1. Damp sphagnum moss
or
2. Dry newspaper

The reason I ask is because many pictures I see on the internet have their Short Tails on wet sphagnum moss and others have them on newspaper. I have asked on some other forums and its like 50/50 with people saying they should not be on a wet substrate and others say just the opposite.

Btw, I currently use newspaper but was wanting to switch to sphagnum moss if possible because I like the way it looks and if its better for my snake then im all for it.

[dave68]

I like sphagnum moss better myself, it seems to keep their scales in better shape, easier to keep humid and easy to replace. It's also free if you know where to look! Also no need for hides as they just go under the moss. Good luck with whichever you decide to use, and hey where's the pics?

Dave

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

Their substrate being moist should not be a concern with bloods as they are naturally anti-resistant to scale rot because their home range has very high humidity. I believe that even animals kept on newspaper should have moist newspaper. I, myself, prefer to use sphagnum moss, but have encountered problems using it with adult animals. I now use papertowel with adults, as it is also cheaper than sphagnum. The sphagnum I use is fairly expensive because it is treated sphagnum. HTH.

C.

[Invictus]

Moss is good, but should be treated with caution. You need very high ventilation if you use this substrate, as scale rot, blister disease, and RI CAN still occur if you're not careful. That being said, moss is my preference for this species as well.

[hooter]

Ok guys thanks,

One more question is do you keep the moss moist at all times? When i say moist i mean like wet not just a light mist every now and then...

Im trying to understand whats best lol. Tonight I switched my ST to sphagnum moss and cypress mulch mixed up and i dampend it. Does this sound good?

[Yve]

if it is damp but you cannot wring moisture out of it then it is fine.

[BOAS_N_PYTHONS]

HOOTER:

What I do for Bloods and Rainbows is this.

I simply look at a cage and section it in 3 stages from wet/dry humid/wet to water zone.

Wet/Dry is an open area like newspaper, paper towel, rock surface or work chips and etc.

Humid/Wet is a rubbermaid box filled with either spagnum moss or stredded newspaper or paper towels that are all sprayed heavy but not total soaked, this area is regular maintenance with every day misting and weekly cleaning. The box will be sealed with its lib but have a cut out opening enough for the snake to crawl in and out comfortably.

Water Zone is another tub or bowl that is their water dish and soaking area as well. Big enough for them to completely soak during sheds, or stress after handling or feeding and such. Mine using soak right after a meal like they' re washing themselves, lol.

The order I place this best to picture a rectangle shape that your viewing from the top so really we are looking at the base of the cage. Now on the left side I put the humid box and on the right side the water tub, I usually put water near heat source for constant humidity. In my case I use radiant heat panels so they sit on the ceiling of the cage and the water is just under it.

Now your Blood or Rainbow can choose what it prefers through out the day and night. My temps are set to their requirements and they are all healthy, growing and eating.

Hope this helps.

Cya...

Tony