Aspen shavings

Is it safe to use aspen shavings with a ball python? His tank needs to be cleaned and I currently can’t get anything else. I already have aspen shavings on hand.


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It's generally not an ideal substrate for ball pythons due to humidity issues, but yes, it's safe to use. I use it with my carpet python. The issue with BPs is that Aspen doesn't hold humidity like cypress or coconut, and in a damp or high humidity environment Aspen can grow mold. Just keep your eye on the substrate for mold, or if it gets too wet...but for a temporary solution it should be fine

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Originally Posted by Wharf Rat

It's generally not an ideal substrate for ball pythons due to humidity issues, but yes, it's safe to use. I use it with my carpet python. The issue with BPs is that Aspen doesn't hold humidity like cypress or coconut, and in a damp or high humidity environment Aspen can grow mold. Just keep your eye on the substrate for mold, or if it gets too wet...but for a temporary solution it should be fine

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Thanks. I’ll only use it until I can get the better stuff. So far the humidity has been fine without needing to use anything like a fogger.


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Originally Posted by Parsons483

Is it safe to use aspen shavings with a ball python? His tank needs to be cleaned and I currently can’t get anything else. I already have aspen shavings on hand.


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Absolutely Yes, it is what I use the most. I got mine at Walmart in the pet dept, but then I only have the one noodle. :snake:
I like Eco Earth and Reptile Prime as well but they are more costly than Aspen. What you don't want to ever use is Cedar and Pine, but especially Cedar.

I've been using it for years with no issues.

I personally can't stand Aspen, especially for BPs and other species which have higher humidity requirements. It's messy, doesn't hold humidity, molds, etc...and I don't like how it looks at all.

I only use it for my hognose since they require low humidity. He's able to burrow and it holds his tunnels.

I personally wouldn't bother cleaning the enclosure until I could put Eco Earth and ReptiBark in the enclosure.


Just curious...do you live somewhere that makes it hard for you to get substrate?

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

I personally can't stand Aspen, especially for BPs and other species which have higher humidity requirements. It's messy, doesn't hold humidity, molds, etc...and I don't like how it looks at all.

I only use it for my hognose since they require low humidity. He's able to burrow and it holds his tunnels.

I personally wouldn't bother cleaning the enclosure until I could put Eco Earth and ReptiBark in the enclosure.


Just curious...do you live somewhere that makes it hard for you to get substrate?

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The reason it needs to be cleaned is because I don’t know how old the current substrate is. I have only had the snake for maybe 3 weeks. I bought it off a woman who left her husband and the snake was his so she didn’t know. But anyway the tank is starting to smell and I noticed the snake trying to dig into it. I have no idea why he is doing it but I was going to give this a try


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Originally Posted by Parsons483

The reason it needs to be cleaned is because I don’t know how old the current substrate is. I have only had the snake for maybe 3 weeks. I bought it off a woman who left her husband and the snake was his so she didn’t know. But anyway the tank is starting to smell and I noticed the snake trying to dig into it. I have no idea why he is doing it but I was going to give this a try


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Ok, how soon can you get new substrate?

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

Ok, how soon can you get new substrate?

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Another week maybe 2 before I can order it.(my local pet store don’t carry the substrate specifically for reptiles and if they did it would cost a looot more than online)


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Originally Posted by Parsons483

Another week maybe 2 before I can order it.(my local pet store don’t carry the substrate specifically for reptiles and if they did it would cost a looot more than online)


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Can't you order from Chewy or Amazon? It would be delivered within 2 days.