how often should you change substrate

[djets1989]

how often should i be cleaning a ball pythons cage, and changing substrate if it was .... newspaper...... the cocnut bark stuff....or anything else, come to think of it what would be the best substrate to use for a ball python??

thanks in advanced, dan

[Shelby]

I use newspaper for all of mine.. and I change it out weekly. Sooner if they leave a 'present'. I also spray a safe disinfectant (I use Virkon S but many people use Chlorhexadine) in the cage and wipe it down weekly.

[Freakie_frog]

Every week wether it looks like it needs it or not.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

how often should i be cleaning a ball pythons cage, and changing substrate if it was .... newspaper

Weekly or as needed which ever comes first.

what would be the best substrate to use for a ball python??

Depends on your enclosure if you have a glass tank you will want a substrate that holds humidity.

If you use a plastic tub newspaper works great.

[NextWorldExotics]

I use Aspen, i change it weekly. Sometimes more if needed...

[mricyfire]

good question. I have a 30 Breeder tank and I have the bottom layer paper towels...and then i have about 18-20quarts of this stuff...


I pic up poop or anything I see that doesnt look like bark. How often should I clean?

Keeping in mind that the bark isnt cheap...once a week for me at least seems very unnecessary.

[Freakie_frog]

good question. I have a 30 Breeder tank and I have the bottom layer paper towels...and then i have about 18-20quarts of this stuff...


I pic up poop or anything I see that doesnt look like bark. How often should I clean?

Keeping in mind that the bark isnt cheap...once a week for me at least seems very unnecessary.

Just imagine I clean paper once a week that is covered in urine and that bark soaks it up and holds in there. You can't get that out with spot cleaning so, I have found that with the bark/eco earth/aspen/coconut husk ect every three to four weeks a total change is needed. Other wise your risking the health of the animal.

just my two cents.

[Freakie_frog]

Keeping in mind that the bark isnt cheap...once a week for me at least seems very unnecessary.

P.S. Aspen is cheaper and looks good and will do just fine also.

[rabernet]

Just imagine I clean paper once a week that is covered in urine and that bark soaks it up and holds in there. You can't get that out with spot cleaning so, I have found that with the bark/eco earth/aspen/coconut husk ect every three to four weeks a total change is needed. Other wise your risking the health of the animal.

just my two cents.

I agree - when I used Aspen - I did a complete break down and cleaned/disinfected once a month at least. With fibrous beddings, it was impossible to get all the dirty bedding out with just spot cleaning.

Now I use newspaper and they get cleaned/disinfected once a week or more often if they defecate before then (and they do!)