Towel for BP encloser instead of papertowel or newspapers?

Hey all,


I'm setting up a whole new rack for my soon to come BP(s) and in considering substrate options, I have previously used repti-bed from the local store, but want to go with something neater/cleaner for the new set-up. I don't dislike the idea of papertowels exactly, but it seems like a pretty big waste, especially on larger tubs.


I'm thinking it may be just as effective to go with a towel or cloth, cut to tub size, and Velcro-ed in place every 9" or foot around the perimeter, maybe a few up the middle as well, just for good measure. Have two on hand for each tub, change them out, wash the dirty ones and have a set ready for the next change-out.


Thought on specific materials to use, or concerns with the idea?


Thanks,


Rob

Seems like a lot of work and washing! Plus I wonder how well stains will come out. I personally wouldn't use Velcro in an enclosure because it's too similar to tape and I fear someone would get hurt.

Buuuut you could always cut a towel or cloth into small squares, maybe like 6x6" ? And spread those around the enclosure. Like a bunch of them, so it's substrate, but you only have to remove a few squares at a time to wash them. Plus they could dig into it if they want! I'd probably use a terry towel without much dye if possible, cotton would also work but it wouldn't be as absorbent. Terry would probably help hold humidity better.

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Originally Posted by kriwu

Seems like a lot of work and washing! Plus I wonder how well stains will come out. I personally wouldn't use Velcro in an enclosure because it's too similar to tape and I fear someone would get hurt.

Buuuut you could always cut a towel or cloth into small squares, maybe like 6x6" ? And spread those around the enclosure. Like a bunch of them, so it's substrate, but you only have to remove a few squares at a time to wash them. Plus they could dig into it if they want! I'd probably use a terry towel without much dye if possible, cotton would also work but it wouldn't be as absorbent. Terry would probably help hold humidity better.

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Personally, I don't do much laundry for just me and my old lady, so an extra load or two a week on what we call the nuke cycle(sanitize with steam) would be no big deal, and with some tide and oxyclean, I woulnd't worry about stains.

For the velcro, I was thinking of just having sticky against the plastic tub, and just using the hook side to grab onto the towel to keep it somewhat in place. I had been thinking cotton just to keep the cost in check, but I think you're right, terry would absorb better and they might prefer the texture.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kriwu

Buuuut you could always cut a towel or cloth into small squares, maybe like 6x6" ? And spread those around the enclosure. Like a bunch of them, so it's substrate, but you only have to remove a few squares at a time to wash them.

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Sorry, this is a bad idea as it would be way too easy for a snake to eat one. Yes snakes have taken down towels with their feeders before.

I know people who have used puppy training pads that have a non-slip bottom in their tubs. While they can be cleaned, it has to be done in very hot water + ammonia to kill off anything nasty in the snake's fecal matter, much the same as cloth diapers for a baby.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Sorry, this is a bad idea as it would be way too easy for a snake to eat one. Yes snakes have taken down towels with their feeders before.

I know people who have used puppy training pads that have a non-slip bottom in their tubs. While they can be cleaned, it has to be done in very hot water + ammonia to kill off anything nasty in the snake's fecal matter, much the same as cloth diapers for a baby.

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Woah omg, I've never heard of a snake eating a towel, that's horrifying!! Thank you for explaining, very good to know!

The puppy training pads is definitely a much better idea!

The puppy pads seem like a much more expensive and not-reusable option, but I could be mistaken.

I would not put anything in that I would not want the snake to accidentally ingest. Cloth would be out for me.

I like newspaper or aspen shavings because they're safe for the snake and absorbent enough for the purpose.

Another thought against the towel velcro option is the velcro would have an adhesive backing that is going to come lose and the last thing you want in their enclosure is anything with adhesive on it. I buy the packs of unbleached packing paper from Lowes and fold it in half to line my tubs. makes cleanup a breeze and it's cheap and a pack lasts me about 2 months, even with 12 snakes.

Not to long ago there was a thread of a boa eating repti carpet

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Originally Posted by C2tcardin

Another thought against the towel velcro option is the velcro would have an adhesive backing that is going to come lose and the last thing you want in their enclosure is anything with adhesive on it. I buy the packs of unbleached packing paper from Lowes and fold it in half to line my tubs. makes cleanup a breeze and it's cheap and a pack lasts me about 2 months, even with 12 snakes.

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I was just there today getting parts for my humidifier build, I didn't even think to check that, thanks for the idea.

I am leaning back towards paper towels now, I do at least have a Costco Membership.