Pros and cons of different substrates?

kiiarah · 11-12-14, 02:43 PM

Perfect, the sheds are one of my main concerns. He had some issues with his last shed. It didn't come off in small pieces, which is good, but he got about 2/3 off and the last part was left on. I think it is possible that he caught the skin on something and tore it that way, but he has a bit of scale damage now where the skin stuck. I would really like to avoid this next time around and I am hoping sufficient consistent humidity is all it will take. Just curious, what do you give your snake to help it shed, as in what types of objects are in the tank for it to push against. I was reading that the bark substrate can help them shed because it is rough, but I am concerned about that because it seems that rough (potentially sharp) bark could be at best uncomfortable and at worst damaging to their belly. If you just use paper towel then your snake must not be using the substrate to rub on (or do they?) is just a branch in the tank sufficient?

**Aaron_S** · 11-12-14, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiiarah

Perfect, the sheds are one of my main concerns. He had some issues with his last shed. It didn't come off in small pieces, which is good, but he got about 2/3 off and the last part was left on. I think it is possible that he caught the skin on something and tore it that way, but he has a bit of scale damage now where the skin stuck. I would really like to avoid this next time around and I am hoping sufficient consistent humidity is all it will take. Just curious, what do you give your snake to help it shed, as in what types of objects are in the tank for it to push against. I was reading that the bark substrate can help them shed because it is rough, but I am concerned about that because it seems that rough (potentially sharp) bark could be at best uncomfortable and at worst damaging to their belly. If you just use paper towel then your snake must not be using the substrate to rub on (or do they?) is just a branch in the tank sufficient?

You're asking a lot of questions which is great! You can never ask too many.

I want you to take a deep breath though. You may be overthinking some of these things. When it comes to substrate hurting the snake, the coco husk, which are cubes for the most part, it is highly unlikely. These snakes have been surviving on their bellies for quite some time so hard substrate isn't an issue.

For shedding, do as I do and dump the water dish into the substrate. (Don't forget to re-fill!) That should aid in the shed process. It is all about husbandry when it comes to shedding.

As for the stick, that will be enough. My snakes have paper towel/newspaper in their bins and water dishes. Which happen to be smooth and round. All shed fine so a stick will be fine for yours. I suspect that mine use the aid of the side of the bins where the air holes are. They are a little rough so it can help.

kiiarah · 11-12-14, 03:31 PM

I do tend to have tons of questions. I have at least gotten to the point that when questions occur to me I don't panic about it lol, but I think it is still good to know as much as possible just in case. Dumping the water bowl is a suggestion I have heard before and sounds like it would work well, I will do that when I notice signs of a shed coming on. He has two log hides (which I plan to replace with the better plastic hides at the expo and a large climbing branch so he should have enough to rub against. Since it is a tank the sides are all smooth but the branch should suffice. Thank you for the input, slowly but surely I am gaining confidence at this whole thing. The primary reason for obsessing over the bedding is that I would love to have plenty on hand and I hear the expos are the best place to get it at a reasonable price, but I know I am likely to grab a bunch of stuff and then have second thoughts or research it later and change my mind. I figured, what if I actually figured it all out before going? Crazy idea right? :P

**Aaron_S** · 11-12-14, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiiarah

I do tend to have tons of questions. I have at least gotten to the point that when questions occur to me I don't panic about it lol, but I think it is still good to know as much as possible just in case. Dumping the water bowl is a suggestion I have heard before and sounds like it would work well, I will do that when I notice signs of a shed coming on. He has two log hides (which I plan to replace with the better plastic hides at the expo and a large climbing branch so he should have enough to rub against. Since it is a tank the sides are all smooth but the branch should suffice. Thank you for the input, slowly but surely I am gaining confidence at this whole thing. The primary reason for obsessing over the bedding is that I would love to have plenty on hand and I hear the expos are the best place to get it at a reasonable price, but I know I am likely to grab a bunch of stuff and then have second thoughts or research it later and change my mind. I figured, what if I actually figured it all out before going? Crazy idea right? :P

Crazy indeed. Expos tend to be good for stock but you can't find suppliers for that stuff usually outside of expos as well. Take a look around.