What substrate do you use for your O. Porphyraceus Coxi?

I've had my little coxi, Secundus Draconus Decorus, for about a month now and he just loooooooves to burrow. I'm using Eco Earth as a substrate right now but was curious if there was something that would be better for him to dig around in.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...U=w394-h700-no

very nice Coxi! post more pix!

i also use Eco Earth. mine likes to burrow about half the time. he will burrow and then hide right underneath his waterbowl. he did this also at the store where they used Cypress Mulch.

He just came out of shed, so I can take some nice pictures.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...k=w394-h700-no

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...o=w394-h700-no

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...I=w394-h700-no

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...8=w394-h700-no

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...F=w394-h700-no

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...U=w394-h700-no

WOW that animal is gorgeous! Just switched my BRB to Reptile Prime last week, aside from whatever controversy surrounds it the product itself is wonderful at maintaining humidity and she loves burrowing in it. Would highly recommend it, especially where high humidity is needed

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Originally Posted by craspy

He just came out of shed, so I can take some nice pictures.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...U=w394-h700-no

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haha i love your lil substrate eater errr... i mean burrower.

;)

Easiest substrate for burrowing animals are coco coir type substrate (regardless of the brand) or aspen knowing aspen tend to mold quickly.

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Easiest substrate for burrowing animals are coco coir type substrate (regardless of the brand)

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I have a few species that are prone to burrowing and I will concur with the coir-type substrate with a small caveat; if you can find some, then for every 5 parts coir I suggest adding one part high quality sphagnum (NZ or Orchid I find are best) and one to two parts oak leaf litter (you could use magnolia as well but you will need to break them up as they are much larger than oak leaves). I have found that using this mix helps keep the coir from compacting, helps the coir maintain a bit more stable hydration level (e.g., not drying out to a brick and then turning into a soggy mess), and creates an easier burrowing substrate for the animals because there are little air gaps and roughage for traction/leverage. I also think it looks a bit nicer/more natural that just straight coir.

Aspen is good for burrowing but i would not use it for a Coxi. it dries out very quickly and will not be able to hold the proper humidity unless u live in a naturally high humid climate.

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Originally Posted by asplundii

I have a few species that are prone to burrowing and I will concur with the coir-type substrate with a small caveat; if you can find some, then for every 5 parts coir I suggest adding one part high quality sphagnum (NZ or Orchid I find are best) and one to two parts oak leaf litter (you could use magnolia as well but you will need to break them up as they are much larger than oak leaves). I have found that using this mix helps keep the coir from compacting, helps the coir maintain a bit more stable hydration level (e.g., not drying out to a brick and then turning into a soggy mess), and creates an easier burrowing substrate for the animals because there are little air gaps and roughage for traction/leverage. I also think it looks a bit nicer/more natural that just straight coir.

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is oak leaf litter full leaves or is it chopped/shredded or mulched?

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Originally Posted by Ax01

is oak leaf litter full leaves or is it chopped/shredded or mulched?

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Full leaves. Some of them may be broken a bit from collection/packing/shipping and such