substrate

I use Aspen for my BP's and have used it for baby Dumerils that like to burrow in order to feed and I've never had a problem with blockage.


This isn't to say it doesn't or can't happen.

I use Aspen shavings and so do most top breeders, If it is injested it's not a problem (in small quantites). I started out with repti-bark and got concerned when one of my snakes started burrowing (didn't want a scraped up nose). and was also concerned about repti-bark holding liquid and causing scale problems or getting swallowed when feeding so I went to aspen

I've used different substrates. When I originally got my BP, I used aspen bedding, but I didn't like it. I ended up switching to repti-bark because it looks more natural and holds humidity better. As far as eating a piece of substrate, I was initially concerned about that because my vet seemed adamant that if I kept my BP on anything other than a piece of reptile carpet, he would get an impactation. I did try reptile carpet, but not only did it do nothing for the humidity, but my snake seemed to feel more exposed and spent all his time hiding underneath the carpet. What I ended up doing is using repti-bark, but when I feed him, I spread a piece of reptile carpet over the bark, then remove it when he's done eating. This way both my snake and I can have the benefit of the repti-bark without worrying about impactation.

i use a combo -

When cage is empty and cleaned and disinfected (with Wipe-Out)

I put a 2 sheet thick layer of newspaper on the bottom (makes it way easier to clean)

Then I put a thin layer of Zoo Med Repti Bark

Then on top I put a layer of Zoo Med Aspen Snake bedding.

I've found the Zoo Med stuff to be very clean and reasonably dust free. Never found a bug, tick, or mite since I switched to them.

Also I find that the newspaper makes cleaning easy (you can roll up the newspaper and pull the whole thing out so no.. or should I say minimal scooping, nothing gets stuck to the bottom of the cage and bakes on... plus it's free!)

The reptibark is chunky enough that it allows heat from my UTH to get through the gaps since the parts are larger and my BP seems to enjoy the bumpy texture

The aspen bedding holds humidity very well for winter I put a bit thicker layer, and allows my BP to dig in a bit (he loves to wiggle himself in there and cover up a bit).

so best of all worlds! Easy clean up, no bake on, heat gets through and it holds humidity!!

as far as the stability of repti bark I've found it doesn't hold liquids to a fault, and it doesn't seem to scrape up my buddy. Also, it's naturally mold resistant so I like it because it gets air under the aspen and keeps it from staying too damp for too long - and though aspen is mold resistant to a point mold can be pretty nasty for your herp. Aspen is excellent but i'm partial to the combo, plus it looks pretty cool. Like pet shop meets jungle floor.... I guess I'm a sucker for asthetics sometimes.