Paper Towels

Altough I have no evidence to back it up, I would think a lot more snakes have died from impaction due to aspen ingestion as compared to paper towels. I've used every substrate I can think of and PT are definitely my favorite. Never any issues, easy to clean and cheap.

To answer your questions, I overlap my paper towels in the center but basically one layer around the outer edges of the tubs. And yes, clean the whole thing whenever they make a mess. I'll also replace it if they make a mess with their water bowls or bunch up the paper towels on one side of the tub. It's super cheap so why not?

I'm glad you guys validated what I was thinking, which is that it wouldn't happen if the prey was dry and the paper towels were anchored. Still, pretty wild horror stories..

I'd suggest that paper is a safer alternative cheaper and basically the same with out the risk of ingestion. I have never heard of a snake that has impacted due to wood chips but it would not surprise me either. I can say that in my area (500 000 population) my vet has had 3 cases of paper towel ingestion in the past 2 years, all fatal. Personally, the expense (is any substrate more expensive?) and the fact there is a risk however small make it a poor choice based on my logic. Others may have some valid reasons why they choose it that over rides the issues I see. My opinion is to avoid it there are lots of other alternatives that carry lower risks.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

I'd suggest that paper is a safer alternative cheaper and basically the same with out the risk of ingestion. I have never heard of a snake that has impacted due to wood chips but it would not surprise me either. I can say that in my area (500 000 population) my vet has had 3 cases of paper towel ingestion in the past 2 years, all fatal. Personally, the expense (is any substrate more expensive?) and the fact there is a risk however small make it a poor choice based on my logic. Others may have some valid reasons why they choose it that over rides the issues I see. My opinion is to avoid it there are lots of other alternatives that carry lower risks.

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I hear ya, but on the same note I have seen 3 snakes die from ingesting wood (2 were aspen, 1 was cypress). It all comes down to the competence of the owner.

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No debate there. I just believe pointing out there is a risk is important. The owner needs to be diligent and counter any risk to their pet but they can only do this if they know that it is there.

I use two layers of paper towels. Change em' all when poo or pee. This is the only thing stupid select a size paper towels are good for. (Can you tell select a size drive me nuts?). I have not had any issues. We also breed our food, so we do p/k and never an issue with towel sticking to prey. Congrats on your first snake, you came to a great place for information!

Not trying to hijack this thread, but why use a substrate at all? Currently I'm using double layered newspaper but have thought about using nothing. When there is something to clean, just wipe it with a papertowel. Is it just for absorption purposes so the animal doesn't slither through its own fecal matter? Anybody ever tried going without?

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Originally Posted by Trochu

Not trying to hijack this thread, but why use a substrate at all? Currently I'm using double layered newspaper but have thought about using nothing. When there is something to clean, just wipe it with a papertowel. Is it just for absorption purposes so the animal doesn't slither through its own fecal matter? Anybody ever tried going without?

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Some of my snakes pee a ton. I wouldn't want them sitting in a half inch of pee. The paper towels do a good job of absorbing a lot if not all of it...

Even tho I try to get it clean right away, I really don't want to them to sit in it at all...

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I put paper towels in once in both feeding tubs. I will NEVER do that again, it wrapped around the prey when the grabbed it!

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Originally Posted by tsy72001

I put paper towels in once in both feeding tubs. I will NEVER do that again, it wrapped around the prey when the grabbed it!

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I have seen that happen, but when they release the rat the paper doesn't stick then they go for the head. Feeding a snake is just something that should be supervised regardless of what substrate you use or whether you feed live or F/T...

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