Digestable?

I would like to know which substrates are digestable?

and if possible which kinds are that and are able to conduct heat?

I don't know of any substrates that are digestable with the possible exception of crushed walnut shells? Either way "ingesting" small amounts of any particular substrate does not pose a signifigant threat to your animal. I personally use "sani-chips" which is a flaked aspen bedding for all of my ball pythons. Although, if I just had a couple animals I would use newspaper or I would use a seperate feeding container with no substrate at all.

As far as conducting heat, I think you will strike out there as well. The natural fiberous materials used in the most common substrates act as a better insulator than a conductor. That said, ball pythons typically tend to burrow down and get as close to an undertank heat source as they can. You will even catch them burrowing under newspaper to get closer to the heat.

For a small collection of animals, there really is no better substrate than newspaper. Your balls will thrive on it!

Hope this helps.

-adam

thanx!

how does one keep humidity up with newspaper? doesn't it just get all soggy if you mist?

There are lots of things you can do to boost humidity. I always liked to lightly mist the side of the enclosure prior to shedding. This worked well without soaking the paper.

You can also use a larger water dish, create a humid hide, invest in a humidifier, keep damp moss in the corners or the cage, partially cover your screen top with plastic, etc. Don't be afraid to experiment and find out what works best for you and your snake!

-adam

I like the old damp towel over the screen top trick for humidity. :)