Aspen shape and size

Does it matter?

I feed in their enclosures. I currently use very finely shredded aspen. Does it matter if I switch to large flakes? And difference between shredded and shavings as far as feeding, breeding, "packing down" etc.?

I'm also wondering this.
My experience is that the aspen I use which is made for small animals is fairly large compared to the chips I see in peoples set up pics. It seems to work just fine. A few pieces stick to the food but it's not enough to make a difference. But I would like to use the better stuff if such a thing exists


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I like the larger aspen. Let's the snake burrow if it wants to. It's just a matter of opinion as it is with most substrate. Unless its pine/cedar debate. I wouldn't bring that up as is always seems to breed a huge argument

Mine hated the flakes and I did too...very dusty. The snakes at work like the shredded because it'll clump together and they can burrow

1.2 Normal
1.1 Red-tail
0.1 Albino corn

I've used both the finely shredded stuff(Zoo Med) and a little coarser stuff(Alphapet). I use the coarser stuff now and my snakes seem to actually like the coarser stuff. They seem to burrow easier in it and it still packs down nicely , not as dense as the finely shredded(double milled) stuff. Neither of the 2 brands I have used have put off that much dust. I mean you are going to get some dust regardless(it is shredded wood after all) but both of the 2 I use settle down fast and don't kick up dust when burrowed in.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

I've used both the finely shredded stuff(Zoo Med) and a little coarser stuff(Alphapet). I use the coarser stuff now and my snakes seem to actually like the coarser stuff. They seem to burrow easier in it and it still packs down nicely , not as dense as the finely shredded(double milled) stuff. Neither of the 2 brands I have used have put off that much dust. I mean you are going to get some dust regardless(it is shredded wood after all) but both of the 2 I use settle down fast and don't kick up dust when burrowed in.

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Do you feed in the enclosure?

Yes I do. I have always fed in the cages. When they were babies, I would use either paper plates or a sheet of printer paper or newspaper. Lay it down and then feed them on that. Avoid using paper towels as that can easily get wrapped up in the food item and eaten by the snake which will most likely end in death or an expensive vet visit. Now I mostly just feed them straight on the aspen and sure they eat a few shreds of it here and there but its fine. You just don't want them eating mouthfuls of it. They eat much worse in the wild.

I feed on aspen too, but I use the finely shredded kind. I was just wondering if the big pieces were ok as they are cheaper.

Specifically, I am currently using this with no problems (picture from another member's post):

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...e/P1040675.jpg

I want to switch to this, if it is safe to feed on (again, pics from another member's post in the feeder section):

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s.../bigasspen.jpg

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s.../asspen222.jpg

I am talking about these specific products. I'm sure some here has experience with the latter, but I never seem to get any responses when I ask. When I wanted to buy the second one as it was cheaper, my friend warned that the bulk bags as shown has "problems" compared to the same brand small bags, and told me not to use it. Then I found out he used it himself, and now he won't answer his darn phone. I just want to make sure big pieces are fine to feed on, and that that product doesn't have other issues like sharp spikey pieces etc.

I need to order real soon as my aspen bed 1 is running out.

I have tried shaved it is longer strips chipped from a log. Shreded that is splinters, sani chips which are ¼ or ⅛ inch squares like what comes off a chain saw. and chipped like what you often see pine in a pet store. I feed in the enclosure and with all of the above and only the shredded gave my issues I had a splinter of it lodges in a snakes mouth and I had to remove it. The sani chips wedged under scales on my largest girl (4000 gm) but only her (very large ventral scales) I like the shaved the best of the wood products and actually the sani chips second even with the scale issue. I prefer coco coir over all the wood substrates, and have been toying with paper pulp beddings (carefresh/boxo) and like them too they however effect the humidity and cause it to drop slightly (hydroscopic, all papers are)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hungba

I feed on aspen too, but I use the finely shredded kind. I was just wondering if the big pieces were ok as they are cheaper.

..............
I want to switch to this, if it is safe to feed on (again, pics from another member's post in the feeder section):

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s.../bigasspen.jpg


I am talking about these specific products. I'm sure some here has experience with the latter, but I never seem to get any responses when I ask. When I wanted to buy the second one as it was cheaper, my friend warned that the bulk bags as shown has "problems" compared to the same brand small bags, and told me not to use it. Then I found out he used it himself, and now he won't answer his darn phone. I just want to make sure big pieces are fine to feed on, and that that product doesn't have other issues like sharp spikey pieces etc.

I need to order real soon as my aspen bed 1 is running out.

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THAT is the exact Aspen we use here. From our collection we have (guessing) 63/64 sub adults and adults that are on that. (The rest vary.) We keep rodents exclusively on that. Have given bails of it always with animals sold...for Christmas, etc. Never noticed a dust issue.

Love it.
:gj: