Aspen vs. Reptichip vs. Cypress Mulch

Would be interested in getting people's opinions on which substrates they like best (besides newspaper and paper towels), some pro and cons, and any other info that might help me decide on which to go with.

I was pretty convinced I was going to use Aspen, but then started reading that while easy to spot clean, can get messy. And, mold can form. Not so much with the others?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

I've never used cypress mulch but I have used aspen and coconut husk. I like coconut husk the best. That doesn't mean it's the best, but I like it. It's easy to keep humidity up and the odor control is awesome. For ball pythons anyways. Coconut might not be the best for a species that likes to burrow.

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Originally Posted by cletus

I've never used cypress mulch but I have used aspen and coconut husk. I like coconut husk the best. That doesn't mean it's the best, but I like it. It's easy to keep humidity up and the odor control is awesome. For ball pythons anyways. Coconut might not be the best for a species that likes to burrow.

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Are you using glass tanks? tubs? plastic enclosure? Or, something else?

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Originally Posted by CharlesMTF

Are you using glass tanks? tubs? plastic enclosure? Or, something else?

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I use tubs. I break off a handful of coco husk and break it up in a bowl. I get a spray bottle and spray it and mix it to the desired moisture level. I don't put too much in. Just enough to cover the floor of the tub. They move it around quite a bit and it builds up in the corners of the tub. As it dries I just give it a spray here and there to maintain the humidity. It works for me and my snakes always have perfect sheds. I deviate from the instructions but I'm not using a whole brick at a time like some folks do. The spray bottle method works for me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cletus

I use tubs. I break off a handful of coco husk and break it up in a bowl. I get a spray bottle and spray it and mix it to the desired moisture level. I don't put too much in. Just enough to cover the floor of the tub. They move it around quite a bit and it builds up in the corners of the tub. As it dries I just give it a spray here and there to maintain the humidity. It works for me and my snakes always have perfect sheds. I deviate from the instructions but I'm not using a whole brick at a time like some folks do. The spray bottle method works for me.

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How well does this work for fece? Is it easy to spot clean with this?

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I like coco chips. Currently using pro coco which is the same as reptichip. I like it a lot. Easy to clean and keep humidity. It's great at absorbing odors. I do plan on trying Cypress after I'm out of pro coco though because it's so cheap and I've heard good things.


Here's a good thread on Cypress
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...4708-Substrate

This one has feedback from a few different coconut substrates
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...rate-Herptopia

I have use them all there are pro and con depending on what you are using one of the most important thing to keep in mind when choosing the right bedding is humidity and depending on where you live some bedding might be better suited than others.

I like aspen but it is dusty and mold very easily, it also does not help much with humidity which is fine in the summer when you live in the south but in the winter, not so much.

I used cypress mulch but my main issue were the large sharp pieces and the fact that it is not a soft bedding.

Now I use coco coir chips (similar to reptichip) , it's a nice soft bedding, holding humidity very well, and it does not have a tendency to mold.

I have also used paper towel and newspaper in the past.

To add to what Deborah is saying regarding what you're using it for, I think what type of snake makes a difference. I have some Garter snakes and a milk snake and for them I like aspen because it allows them to tunnel well. For my BPs and Dumerils, I use coco - it provides good humidity for the BPs and permits my Dum to bury himself easily.

Between aspen and coco, I think aspen is easiest to spot clean since it's easier to see and smell.


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I use repti-chips for my juvenile BP and adult King, aspen for my hatchling/juvenile corns. The aspen allows for easy tunneling and burrowing for the little corns, but I will switch them to repti-chips once they are bigger. I like the repti-chip for odor and humidity control, ease of cleaning and I like the look of repti-chip better. My adult king does burrow on occasion, but gets around just fine in the repti-chip.

I have yet to try cypress mulch, but based on some info I've read I may try it once it's time to re-stock.

Also, I am currently using glass enclosures until I can rehouse them in PVC.

I use aspen but as said above it sucks at holding humidity and also molds easier than the rest. I used what was left of some cypress mulch Strudel's previous owners gave me, and it held humidity amazingly well. either reptichip or some other coconut based substrate is probably your best bet.