Ball python bedding questions

So, before I got my new slithering angel I searched on Google for the best substrate for them. A lot of people recommended repti bark. So, I went with that.

But, I noticed my snake started having little nicks and what not on his belly- they were super noticable because is so white. I dont know if it was splinters or cuts but all I know is he was hurting himself at night. So I took it out and put paper towels in.

So, I'm wondering if anyone else has suggestions? I was wondering if you could use...dirt even? I'd rather not use wood stuff.

Congrats on your new BP and welcome to the forum! :)

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of these "nicks"? To me it seems unlikely that these were caused by the substrate and more likely that it could be something like scale rot. In any case, since you see those on his belly it's good to switch him to paper towels for a while and monitor that until it clears up.

If you want a softer substrate you could try Eco Earth coconut fibre or Reptile Prime, but right now I'd keep the snake on paper towels, figure out what's causing the "nicks", and make sure they heal.

Thank you!

And I dont have any photos as this was a couple of weeks ago and it has all cleared up now. Could he get scale rot even if the substrate was dry?

I use eco earth with zoo med forrest floor bedding. The forest floor does have wood in it though. I haven’t had problems though and that’s the mixture I saw recommended the most when I was looking. When you’re choosing a substrate you need to think about a few things.

How well do you want it to retain humidity?
Is it likely to cause impaction (no sand)?
How easy do you want cleaning to be?
How do you want it to look?

There are pros and cons to every bedding, so in the end, it’s up to your preference.


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