Substrate Question(s)

[HeatherRose]

Hey guys...

This might sound completely stupid (or not, not quite sure), but I have some questions about substrates...

I mentioned in another thread that one of my Brazilians always messes up her paper towels and appears to enjoy burrowing in it.

Now, I've always been a paper towel/newspaper girl, so I haven't really given snake substrates much thought - ever. I'm a complete newbie to snake substrates.

I've gone off and read several BRB caresheets to get an idea of substrate, and I've seen potting soil, mulch, moss, and shredded paper as recommended options. I'd given carefresh some thought, but it's kind of ugly and gets compacted down under the weight of the snake (I used it for my ball python temporarily) and makes burrowing harder. If it comes to having to, I will use it.

I know that not all caresheets are up to snuff so I wanted to ask those of you with experience. What does everyone think about potting soil (this just doesn't sound right, but I'm asking anyway), or ecoearth (I'd prefer to use this above everything else)?

Thanks in advance.

[Jeff_Favelle]

Layers and layers of damp newspaper. Used the same system for 12 years. I would never use anything else.

[dr greenlove]

I have always been a "newspaper man" to, it does everything you need it to.

My only criticism is that a/its ugly. And b/ all that damp newsprint gets on the snake...which dulls the lovely colours.

But despite that, i would be far to paranoid to use anything else.


As to potting soil...its dirty to start with (no joke intended:) ), and under the conditions that a Rainbow needs it would be very poor.

Mould would love it...but you might get a bumper crop of toadstools/mushrooms.:D

I cannot comment on ecoearth as i have never heard of it...we in the UK seem to be mostly about 10 years behind everyone else in the world when it comes to equipment and things.

[Stockwell]

I bred hundreds of them on pure peat moss. It's certainly what I would recommend but as you can see, people use different materials. Noting wrong with Jeff's technique, as he certainly breeds a load of them with great success, but paper is certainly as ugly as carefresh.
With peatmoss, it looks rather natural, its cheap,its acidic which deters the growth of moulds and fungi and although dusty when dry it compacts nicely when moist.
You simply toss a bucket of water in the cage when it starts to dry out, and that will soak in and last for weeks.
It can also be spot cleaned by simply removing crap and sheds and adding a bit more peat when you see the bottom of the cage. Paper requires complete removals..
Try both and see which you prefer. I'm sure the snakes wont care. Just never let Cenchris dry out, as it kills them. (been there done that)

[ChristinaM]

Hey Roy, with the peat moss.....how much do you generally use? Just a layer to cover the bottom?
What about feeding on it? Any probs?

Thanks.

[gargoyle]

I use Eco-earth with mine. Eco-earth is nothing more than a dehydrated and compressed peat moss though! I've used this for years for other animals and never had any mould associated with the bedding (if deficate is left too long, you'll get it for sure). Just do as Roy mentioned, spot clean when it needs it.

[HeatherRose]

Thanks guys :)

I've decided to go with the eco-earth for my larger snakes. The babies will remain on paper towels. It seems like it would be more efficient just to spot clean than take apart the enclosure every week to remove the paper towels. It looks nicer and provides something to burrow in as well.