Adeqaute Substrates for a CRB

Saber402 · 09-10-13, 10:34 PM

Hi all! Looking for some info on what substrates everyone has had luck with for a Colombian Rainbow Boa. My boa is only 3 months old. Right now I have sphagnum moss on the bottom as well as in the humid box. I am concerned about the chance of mold. I don't keep the moss very damp, relying on a large water bowl to maintain humidity. I agitate the moss a couple times a week so it's not just staying in the same spot. I have had good luck keeping the humidity above 80%, only misting a couple times to boost it up.

Thanks!

marvelfreak · 09-11-13, 01:42 AM

I use Reptile bark for my BRB and it works great. If you make it deep enough they will burrow in it. I also noticed when i have it deep enough to burrow they are more active. When i had them on news paper i never saw them. Now they are always out and about.

Lankyrob · 09-11-13, 05:42 AM

Sphagnum moss should never mold, i had it in my GTP viv at 80% humidity for years with no mold.

Snakesitter · 09-11-13, 01:59 PM

There are many good substrate choices for rainbows, such as coco husk, eco earth, and orchid bark, as well as some of the other substances mentioned above. You want something that holds humidity well without molding, while also providing a place to hide, and all of these do that well. Remember to buy it from anywhere *except* a reptile store, as it is not unheard of for mites to hitchhike along in the bag. Garden supply stores work well, just check to make sure it has no or minimal chemicals.

I would reserve the sphagnum moss for the humid hide. But it should be highly resistant to mold -- mine never grows the stuff.

Good luck!