Bedding Question

[steph2011]

I am currently using aspen for my ball pythons but i worry because when they eat we have had to pull pieces of the aspen out of their mouths or off their food. I just worry that the aspen could mess their digestive systems up if eaten. Am i over reacting? Is there other bedding ideas that you find better? Cleaning and cost are not an issue just want what's best for the snakes.

Thanks for any help.

[LLLReptile]

Personally, I use and recommend orchid bark, as it holds moisture better (I live in a dryer area than most) and I seldom have any issues with bedding stuck in the mouth. The few times I've seen bedding in my snakes' mouths, they're easily able to wipe it off themselves.

Some folks prefer paper or papertowel, which are also options, but I find scooping out a small corner of dirty bedding easier than completely swapping out all the paper in the cage. It's definitely a matter of personal preference.

-Jen

[1nstinct]

You can try to put a piece of newspaper down covering the aspen, most people don't worry about it tho. I personally use unprinted newspaper be I like the look and how clean the tubs are when using it. It's also a easy clean up and much easier to keep cages closer to clean all the time(no spot cleaning), so I know their are no unseen pieces of feces it urates.

[kitedemon]

The only substrate I have ever heard to be a massive issue being ingested is paper towel. I have had a one eyed snake eat a lot (a lot!!) of aspen and she did develop constipation after this but I mean two full mouthfuls her aim is very very poor. I have seen a few splinters stuck from wood chip substrates but nothing overly serious. Like Jen I use a coco peat substrate (very similar to some orchid mediums) I have never had too many issues with it since switching well over 2 years ago. It has the added bonus in being about 17¢ a full cleaning.

[BillinIndiana]

Like Jen I use a coco peat substrate (very similar to some orchid mediums) I have never had too many issues with it since switching well over 2 years ago. It has the added bonus in being about 17¢ a full cleaning.

Do you know what brand or where I can buy some? I know here in Indiana we have a Tractor Supply that sells the Aspen bedding in big bags, but don't remember seeing any others there? Then again I didn't look real hard..

[ReptileJenna]

I know some people get it online, if that helps at all.

[kitedemon]

I actually buy mine from a organic green house however I sometimes get it from home depot garden centre also hydroponic grow stores often have it although often loose and expensive. MAKE SURE is has no fertilizer added. Most of what is available is organic but not all. I like the brand beats peat. They sell 3 sizes of chunks and also the crushed. The only issue I have ever has is the small stones that sometimes are in it. It is wet and heated and compressed so there is little chance of bugs and stuff inside. I always check the bag to make sue it is still sealed.