Substrate question

My Ball Python manual says that you should start with your BP on newsprint or newspaper until he is acclimated. So that you can easily clean and monitor feces, etc. And then they suggest you can switch to a more decorative substrate.

Has anyone ever done this? I'm worried that he would get used to his new home with the newspaper and then get thrown off when I suddenly switch to a different substrate. Or would he not really notice? What do you guys think?

I do think it's a good idea to at least start out on newspaper or paper towel. It's not ever necessary to switch, but it is easier to monitor on the paper.

Yah, I'm gonna change tonight :)

Gen do you know when you are getting your BP yet?

Thanks for the advice guys, I'm either getting him April 13th or 14th. It's tough because I'm a teacher and I'm not home during the day to get the snake when he arrives. But we have spring break the week after Easter, so I'm planning on getting him then. Trust me, I'll let you guys know when I get him, and I'll be posting pictures. :)

Gen, i am no expert but i have to tell you that the reptile-rug & reptile-carpets (i think that they are made by zoo meds) are a high quality, VERY easy to clean substrate. They are comfortable, non-abrasive, you can easily monitor their bathroom habits & they look more decorative than newspaper or papertowel would. Just me givin ya my 2 cents as i am sure that newspaper works quite nicely. But for my money, the reptile rug & carpet are gunna be life-long substrates for Hissy!

Luv newspaper here! Clean, disposable, and FREE!

I use newspaper now. I went through an "aspen phase" but have returned to newspaper because I was sick of aspen getting all over the place. :)
I think that newspaper is the cheapest and most easy to clean substrate. I like to completely clean the tank after my snakes urinate/defecate, and I think that'd be hard to do with a "granular" substrate.