A few questions about using newspaper as a substrate

Hello all, I'm new here.

I'm thinking about purchasing my first ball python from the upcoming reptile breeders expo in my area, and just had a couple questions regarding the substrate in the enclosure. I understand a lot of people use paper towels or newspaper as the bedding in their enclosure and this really appeals to me for it's simplicity, low cost and ease of use.

My apologies if these questions have already been answered, but I was unable to find answers to them in my searches.

1. Silly question, but does newsprint rub off on the snake?

2. Is it best to shred the newspaper before use or should it be laid down in full sheets?

3. I'm thinking about using a plastic tub with an UTH affixed underneath one side, so should I use a repti-carpet product as well as newspaper inside, or is it best to just lay the newspaper right over the plastic?


Thanks in advance!

1.Yes newspaper rubs off on the snake BUT printed newsprint is free.
I personally prefer unprinted newspaper stock. It can be found at any moving supply store, I pay $30 for 800 24" X 36" sheets.
2. No, don't shred it, lay it down in sheets (I use three sheets per bin).
3. No need for any other substrate. Just the newspaper will do.

It almost seems too simple.. haha

Thanks for the answers.

When the snake urinates, is the newspaper actually able to absorb it or does it not just soak right through and sit directly on the plastic? I'm guessing that the newspaper needs to be changed very often?

It really is as easy as that. I only change my newspaper after a poop. Surprisingly, newspaper (at least three layers of it) can be quite absorbent.

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Originally Posted by mykee

It really is as easy as that. I only change my newspaper after a poop. Surprisingly, newspaper (at least three layers of it) can be quite absorbent.

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Mike, just curious.. You don't change your paper when a snake urinates, only when it defecates? Aren't you worried about the snake sitting in its own filth until it dries? Not trying to offend, I am just curious if you're worried about the possible health issues with doing that.

Sorry for the thread hijack! I use newspaper but am trying to find an unprinted newspaper source.

I would like to make the switck to newpaper also even tried it once but i have no luck with it.a:confused:a To keep it clean its like 3-4 times a week i had to change it, between bio messes and water spills. Would love to cause everyone makes it sound so cool, I just cant make it work:taz:

Does it really rub off on the snake if printed on? I recently switched over a few weeks ago and haven't noticed rubbing off yet...

So I'm guessing using newspaper means frequent substrate replacement, whereas a loose aspin substrate would absorb urine a bit better and require less frequent replacement or maintenance?

Paper towels is where its at. Its cheaper that buying unprinted paper and no ink to rub off.

It also absorbs waste very well. I get rolls of bounty for $1 each use 8 rolls a week 1-6 sheets per tub depending on size.

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Originally Posted by Brian Crook

Hello all, I'm new here.

I'm thinking about purchasing my first ball python from the upcoming reptile breeders expo in my area, and just had a couple questions regarding the substrate in the enclosure. I understand a lot of people use paper towels or newspaper as the bedding in their enclosure and this really appeals to me for it's simplicity, low cost and ease of use.

My apologies if these questions have already been answered, but I was unable to find answers to them in my searches.

1. Silly question, but does newsprint rub off on the snake?

2. Is it best to shred the newspaper before use or should it be laid down in full sheets?

3. I'm thinking about using a plastic tub with an UTH affixed underneath one side, so should I use a repti-carpet product as well as newspaper inside, or is it best to just lay the newspaper right over the plastic?


Thanks in advance!

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Well i have always used newspaper for all of my snakes up to a 13ft retic and never had anything come off on them.I just use one sheet to cover half of the tub then overlap another to cover the other half.No that reptile carpet is GARBAGE do not use it :colbert:.

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

I get rolls of bounty for $1 each use 8 rolls a week 1-6 sheets per tub depending on size.

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Bounty, The quicker picker upper :D
I use Brawny :P and prefer paper towels over newspaper any and every day.
You do have to clean up more often than with aspen but way cheaper and being a home dad makes clean up easy.
If I worked and had to be gone a lot I'd be using aspen again.

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Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

Bounty, The quicker picker upper :D
I use Brawny :P and prefer paper towels over newspaper any and every day.
You do have to clean up more often than with aspen but way cheaper and being a home dad makes clean up easy.
If I worked and had to be gone a lot I'd be using aspen again.

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Works great for humidity and if they spill the water bowl itll soak most of it up. Not to mention you clean with it why not use it as the bedding.

IMO the white makes it look more attractive,sanitary for the snakes and their color

As I understand it, the "rub-off" is only really noticeable on albinos and other really light colored snakes. It's not harmful though and doesn't always happen.

I use the unprinted paper that you get from moving. The military moves us, so I have TONS of the stuff. (I mean TONS... :rolleyes: ) I just use one sheet per tub, folded in half, so there are two layers. Works great for absorbing wastes and spilled water.

I don't bother changing for spilled water (my bowls aren't big enough to completely flood the tub), but I do change it anytime I notice bio waste. It's really quick and easy. Slip the snake into an empty bin or bag...pull out water bowl and hide...pull out paper..wipe down tub with sanitary wipe and dry...toss in a new sheet....replace items and animal. SSOOO much easier than aspen or anything shredded.

And yeah...aspen may absorb more urine...but personally, I wouldn't be able to stand the idea of them laying in their own pee, no matter what. It's just gross. So the type of substrate would not change my frequency of cleaning...just changes how quick & easy that cleaning is.

And I agree....don't mess with the repti-carpet stuff. Worse than worthless.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

Works great for humidity and if they spill the water bowl itll soak most of it up. Not to mention you clean with it why not use it as the bedding.

IMO the white makes it look more attractive,sanitary for the snakes and their color

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Completely agree:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

Works great for humidity and if they spill the water bowl itll soak most of it up. Not to mention you clean with it why not use it as the bedding.

IMO the white makes it look more attractive,sanitary for the snakes and their color

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How does it help with humidity?

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Originally Posted by Joelolly

How does it help with humidity?

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Its not dusty or dry compared to wood bedding like aspen. And when misted holds moisture levels well.

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Originally Posted by JLC

As I understand it, the "rub-off" is only really noticeable on albinos and other really light colored snakes. It's not harmful though and doesn't always happen.

I use the unprinted paper that you get from moving. The military moves us, so I have TONS of the stuff. (I mean TONS... :rolleyes: ) I just use one sheet per tub, folded in half, so there are two layers. Works great for absorbing wastes and spilled water.

I don't bother changing for spilled water (my bowls aren't big enough to completely flood the tub), but I do change it anytime I notice bio waste. It's really quick and easy. Slip the snake into an empty bin or bag...pull out water bowl and hide...pull out paper..wipe down tub with sanitary wipe and dry...toss in a new sheet....replace items and animal. SSOOO much easier than aspen or anything shredded.

And yeah...aspen may absorb more urine...but personally, I wouldn't be able to stand the idea of them laying in their own pee, no matter what. It's just gross. So the type of substrate would not change my frequency of cleaning...just changes how quick & easy that cleaning is.

And I agree....don't mess with the repti-carpet stuff. Worse than worthless.

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Thanks a lot! This cleared up a lot for me.