Sand Substitute?

[backafter30]

I'm wanting to get some of my snakes out of their tubs and into some nice display cages that attempt to replicate a natural environment for them. I've got most details figured out except what to use as a substrate in a desert environment for some southwestern kings and rat snakes. Sand seems to have a bad reputation, but what would give the appearance of sand (or reasonably close) without the impaction issues? Thanks!

[sharthun]

Originally Posted by backafter30

I'm wanting to get some of my snakes out of their tubs and into some nice display cages that attempt to replicate a natural environment for them. I've got most details figured out except what to use as a substrate in a desert environment for some southwestern kings and rat snakes. Sand seems to have a bad reputation, but what would give the appearance of sand (or reasonably close) without the impaction issues? Thanks!

I think sani chips would work great! Very easy to spot clean and I think gives a natural look.

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Here is a shot of sani chips in my black Milk's enclosure.

[CosmicOwl]

Take this advice with a grain of salt, and do your own research. I think desert species can still be kept on dirt, as long as the heat and humidity are right. There is a misconception that the desert is loose sand, but that isn't usually the case. A lot of areas that are arid or considered "deserts" still have loamy soil.

[backafter30]

I've seen the sani-chips, and did think that might work. I was hoping someone might have the opinion that it resembled sand. I haven't seen it in person, and it's hard to tell from a website picture. Thanks!

Just dirt? Why are some of the most obvious choices so hard to see? Dirt. Hmmm... I do realize that the desert is mostly not sandy. My in-laws and daughter live in Phoenix. What they have there resembles concrete. It requires repeated hose-soakings and a jack hammer just to plant a tomato. I had thought of just making the floor of the cage out of an appropriate shade of grout, but I figured it would be hard to clean, and it would not allow for burrowing, other than any holes I happen to mold into it. But I have a whole yard made of dirt, and the only down-side I see to it is if my snake just stays dirty all the time. I feel like "duh", and thank you for the suggestion.

[sharthun]

That's another reason why I like sani chips. Kind of looks like coarse sand. Gives my enclosures a natural look and allows for easy burrowing.

Originally Posted by backafter30

I've seen the sani-chips, and did think that might work. I was hoping someone might have the opinion that it resembled sand. I haven't seen it in person, and it's hard to tell from a website picture. Thanks!

Just dirt? Why are some of the most obvious choices so hard to see? Dirt. Hmmm... I do realize that the desert is mostly not sandy. My in-laws and daughter live in Phoenix. What they have there resembles concrete. It requires repeated hose-soakings and a jack hammer just to plant a tomato. I had thought of just making the floor of the cage out of an appropriate shade of grout, but I figured it would be hard to clean, and it would not allow for burrowing, other than any holes I happen to mold into it. But I have a whole yard made of dirt, and the only down-side I see to it is if my snake just stays dirty all the time. I feel like "duh", and thank you for the suggestion.

[millertime89]

I use sani chips, they work really well for my desert species (and most of my smaller animals). Makes cleanup easy too.

[eminart]

Make your own decisions, but personally, I think the whole impaction issue in reptiles is vastly overblown. I've used sand and sand/dirt mixes for several different animals with zero problems.

[Sniarb]

Impaction is only an issue if the snake eats off her substrate. Feed her over a piece of paper towel or a plate to make sure none of the sand gets on her food and it won't be a problem. With that said, sand is not the best natural substrate choice for a desert snake. Many desert snakes will avoid sand because it is often too hot, harder to move across, and usually in open areas where they are exposed to predators. I would suggest a mix of eco earth, washed play sand, soil without additives, and clay. Adjust the ratios until you get a mix you like. It's best to also provide areas of hard substrate like rocks, slate and tile.

[Lankyrob]

Originally Posted by Sniarb

Impaction is only an issue if the snake eats off her substrate. Feed her over a piece of paper towel or a plate to make sure none of the sand gets on her food and it won't be a problem. With that said, sand is not the best natural substrate choice for a desert snake. Many desert snakes will avoid sand because it is often too hot, harder to move across, and usually in open areas where they are exposed to predators. I would suggest a mix of eco earth, washed play sand, soil without additives, and clay. Adjust the ratios until you get a mix you like. It's best to also provide areas of hard substrate like rocks, slate and tile.

Because in the wild snakes carry their own plates around with them

[Sniarb]

Haha, well part of keeping snakes in captivity is minimizing the risks they would face in the wild. But you are right, even if they do eat off their substrate impaction is unlikely unless they are dehydrated. Better safe then sorry though.

[backafter30]

I really appreciate everyone's input. This has been very helpful.