Paper towels or newspaper?

Hello there!
I've recently set up my rack system with my husband and am considering changing substrates. Right now, all 3 of my BP's are on coconut fiber, but as we will be welcome anywhere from 3-5 new BP's within the next few weeks, coconut fiber simply isn't practical for that many and a rack system.
That being said, I wanted to know what all of your experiences were with paper towels versus newspaper. I've heard printed newspaper can smudge on snakes, and although it's not harmful, it can be unattractive. However, I'm not exactly sure where I'd purchase unprinted newspaper...
I really like the idea of paper towels though! Seems like quick clean up! As far as risk during feedings, our never feed unsupervised...

If I went with paper towels, how often would you need to fully change them out?
And if I went with news paper?

Thanks for any and all input!

I got my unprinted newspaper (packing paper) from Walmart. Anywherr that sells packing/packaging supplies should have it and it's fairly affordable. I have since swapped back to aspen as it makes spot cleaning easier and gives my bps a little extra security. Either way, with a rack system, your humidity levels sill be fine.

As for using paper towels, you can use them but it's often used more for babies/sick balls.

Ive never used newspaper, but switched from Aspen to paper towel awhile ago. Super fast and easy cleanup and since it's white, I can keep an easier eye out for the cleanups and/or potential issues. I do a spot check daily for "gifts" they may have left me. If no soiling has occurred, I place new ones down every week to ten days. I'm no breeder, however. Don't know they do it. Best of luck.

We use paper towels. Its easy to clean and keep an eye on. I change them out entirely once weekly no matter what, and I check twice a day to see if anyone has peed or pooped. If so I totally clean the cage.


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I prefer reptichip but I agree, that isn't the best solution for racks. I use paper towels right now and they are so easy! I like them because they help absorb any messes and it's easy to see the messes. I've never used newspaper so I can't weigh in on that option.

Thanks for all of the replies! Technically, all of my BP's are currently babies (2 months or younger), and so I think I'll try them out on paper towels, then perhaps switch them over to newspaper once they're a bit older. Thanks again! :D

I use clean white packing paper. I purchase the paper from U-haul.
www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Protective-stuff/Wrapping-Paper-Bulk-(25-lb-pack)?id=8606

I started with aspen and other kinds of wood mulch, but had a major mite problem and had problems with snakes getting bedding in their mouths when feeding, plus the cost of all that bedding was crazy. I've since switched to paper towels, I really like it and will probably always use it. I just picked up a dwarf reticulated python and boy does she pee! I actually have her on several layers of newspaper. In fact I'm slowly changing over to using several layers of newspaper on the bottom with a top layer or two of paper towels, it's working good for my smaller snakes but the big ones just push aside the paper towels so I have them on newspaper only. I can spray it down with water and the newspaper helps to absorb the extra water and keep the humidity up. Plus it's free! I use wadded up balls of paper towels in the front of each tub and put 3/4 cup water on them every day or two for humidity. So far it's been working great. I can't imagine paying for any other substrate on a regular basis with a whole rack system, just is way too expensive for me. The more free newspaper you can use the better IMO.

I have 12 snakes and they are all on reptichip. I really like it and it keeps the humidity great. I spot clean when needed and totally change it out every three months. I had a DIY rack at first with sterilite tubs and used news paper. That worked fine. When they messed I just totally changed the paper, but if no messes I cleaned it out every week anyhow. Now I have an ars rack and the tubs have built in water bowls and I am using the reptichip with it. I buy 2 bricks every 3 months. With the 12 tubs about an inch of substrate, I have some left to add between changes from spot cleaning. It really is a matter of preference what you want to use. Just remember with paper towels or new paper you might want to add a bigger water bowl to keep the humidity up.