Switched to aspen today and...

It's EXPENSIVE!
I payed 9 bucks for 8 quarts and I needed 3 quarters of the bag to cover the bottom of his tank. Does anyone know of a better place to get it other than a pet store?
I obviously would not keep it sopping wet, but is it good to keep it moist at all?
I didn't think it was as rough as it was.

You can get it at the garden center in Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's etc. for a lot less. When I get it there I bake it for about 1/2 hour at around 300 to kill any bugs that may have gotten in there, just to be safe.

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Originally Posted by Clementine_3

You can get it at the garden center in Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's etc. for a lot less. When I get it there I bake it for about 1/2 hour at around 300 to kill any bugs that may have gotten in there, just to be safe.

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That is not aspen.

To the original poster, check to see if you have a tractor supply company in your area. They sell pretty big bags for $10. Or wait for a reptile show and stock up.

I bought 20 liters/21qt compressed aspen yesterday for $8.00 and change at a local, independently owned pet store. Big box stores are a good place to look, but don't overlook the local places, either. I bought mine in the small animal section, as opposed to the reptile section. The reptile section seems to have everything overpriced, no matter where I go.

Feed stores have aspen in big bags sometimes. I've bought really big ones at Petco too believe it or not.

I guess the Aspen purchasing question is answered, so I'll answer your misting question.

Yes it is completely fine to mist the Aspen, just don't mist it too much to where it's wet and dripping. This can cause the Aspen to mold and you definitely don't want that. Plus if the snake is constantly in wet substrate & high humidity, your snake can possibly get scale rot.

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Originally Posted by pfan151

That is not aspen.

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I know what aspen is and I know where I've bought it. I've also gotten at it my local nursery, or maybe it was marble chips.

Thats about the going rate. They make it much cheaper(3 times the amount for half the price) for rabbit bedding in pet smart as well but i wouldnt recomend it as its large and not twice milled. If you want mold resistence you have to go with cypress.
Cypress has more humidity and because its mold resistant its better if you want to mist.I'm not a big fan of misting aspen or a tank too mush because of mold and bacteria.

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Originally Posted by Clementine_3

I know what aspen is and I know where I've bought it. I've also gotten at it my local nursery, or maybe it was marble chips.

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You have bought cypress mulch. Aspen is not available in any garden center, HD or lowes. There is no reason for them to sell it there because it is not used for landscaping. Not trying to be rude, but I believe you are mistaken. Could you post a pic of your "aspen"? I will be glad to say I was wrong if you post a picture and it turns out to be aspen.

I don't use it for the snakes, but I do use it for my feeders. I get a bag at walmart for $3.50. It's a small bag, and compressed. I can't remember the exact measurements, but a half bag covers my 50 gal really good. Nice and fluffy looking :) I know it's a small bag, but for $3.50 i buy two at a tiem.

I found it in the pet section by the hamster stuff. I'll try and get exact measurements for you when I get home.