Substrates

I'm looking into getting a Kingsnake, I really love the look of the black ones.

I was wondering, can reptile sand be used as a substrate? I know these snakes likes to burrow and they are from a sandy region originally

I've heard of people using Calci-sand, because it is digestable, but I've always liked aspen myself.

I use that coco dirt, the stuff that comes in a block? And I mix it with a bag of dirt mix from my local reptile shop, that has a few bigger pieces in it. I don't know if I'd use sand. I haven't used it myself, but I've heard some bad things about it. My guy loves digging, so he's got about 6 inches of substrate. Aspen would work just as well, I think. :)

I'm using aspen, though I sort of wish I was using newspaper. Simply because if they wanna get to the part thats 83-84 they're gonna have to burrow under.


Still all the pros seem to use aspen. So, until I hear someone preach the virtues of newspaper I'll stick with this.

I've considered using newspaper too, but kings/milks poo so often that it would be more work than it's worth.

Good to know :gj: , and if they are happy burrowing under the aspen to get to the hot spot then I am happy to provide the aspen.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hulihzack

I've heard of people using Calci-sand, because it is digestable, but I've always liked aspen myself.

---

not meaning to be disrespectful whatsoever! but altho many believe it to be digestible it really isn't good for them.

We use to have a sand boa that we used calci sand in its aquairium and he loved it. Just like with any other substrate we have to be careful because we feed frozen so our mice/rats are wet when we feed the snakes. Any substrate consumed by the snake could harm them. if your to worried by a rubbermaid container and feed your snake in it :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by snakegrl

We use to have a sand boa that we used calci sand in its aquairium and he loved it. Just like with any other substrate we have to be careful because we feed frozen so our mice/rats are wet when we feed the snakes. Any substrate consumed by the snake could harm them. if your to worried by a rubbermaid container and feed your snake in it :)

---

We have like a clay pot with a lid and a shelf. You microwave the water, then put the mouse on the shelf and close the lid.

5 minutes later pick the mouse up and hold it in front of the snake and then its gone :)

Not had any problems with substrate getting in the snakes mouth

Cool we have like a makeshift micro wave...............We use a screen lid with lights pointing at it. We have to thaw about 50 to 60 mice rats at a time. My hubby made it LOL