Substrate

I have been using newspaper in my Bloods tub, but it is pretty annoying. If a corner of it dips into his water dish because he moves around, then all the newspaper absorbs the water and turns into a big soggy mess, and his whole tub gets filled with condensation, or if he decides to go into his water, same problem..


Is there a better substrate for bloods that is still easy to use and clean and allows them to burrow like they enjoy?

Thank you!
-Sara

I can't speak to bloods I have never deal with them but I keep my Royals on Coco coir. One of mine always dumps his water too and the coir absorbs in and keeps it localized so I know if I am away he is not laying in the wet substrate.

for bloods id use cypress (after baking process) as it holds the right humidity for bloods.

@AkHerps is that a tiger salamander on your pic...i used to have 2 and were pretty cool animals

i use cypress and it seems to be working great. Its not the cheapest but it looks good (the cage is used as decoration as well her home) and my blood seems to be buried under it 24/7 so i think she likes it too. great with humidity as already mentioned.

i dont really know anything about bloods but i keep my ballies on repti-bark

Alright cool,thanks guys!

And yes, he is a tiger salamander :P
A crazy one at that, he is perpetually hungry all the time and is always out begging for food. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by rfrenia

i use cypress and it seems to be working great. Its not the cheapest but it looks good (the cage is used as decoration as well her home) and my blood seems to be buried under it 24/7 so i think she likes it too. great with humidity as already mentioned.

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I think cypress mulch is the best. I buy cypress mulch from home depot, lowes, or your local nursery for about $3 a bag. I buy 3, which is enough for my snakes and rats for 1-2 months. Make sure you get it without any chemicals or pesticides. When I first started using cypress I had start issues and my blood nostrils were becoming clogged. So before I use cypress I remove small pieces and first using a filter process. I've attached the link to my thread.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=146397

New Cage and Substrate Setup

Both my bloods love to burrow and I don't have to must as often. The clean-up every 1-2 months isn't bad either.

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I think cyprus works fine but it isn't a very 'green' material to use. The cyprus tree is key to florida everglades, and is being cut at a quick rate for what mulch? Personally I disagree with using a tree that is quickly becoming threatened when there are alternatives that are a natural by product and is cheaper and works just as well. I know that the environmental card get stomped here but I still feel the need to point it out.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

I think cyprus works fine but it isn't a very 'green' material to use. The cyprus tree is key to florida everglades, and is being cut at a quick rate for what mulch? Personally I disagree with using a tree that is quickly becoming threatened when there are alternatives that are a natural by product and is cheaper and works just as well. I know that the environmental card get stomped here but I still feel the need to point it out.

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I wasn't aware of this. Well if I had a machine to cut up Oak Trees in Texas then I would... What natural alternatives do you suggest? I heard soil is good to for bloods, but I'd be concerned about it getting in their nostrils.

Coco coir holds humidity really well and is cheap it is what I choose. Aspen is also good but doesn't hold as much humidity and Melaleuca mulch if you can find it. It is very similar to cyprus but is an evasive plant and is being whipped out anyway so the mulch is a by product it isn't easy to find however. The coconut products seem to work really well.

I don't think we have coco coir here, where do you get it?

Reptile suppliers carry it under names like eco earth. It is quite common in greenhouses and hydroponic systems. So typically places that supply products for either application. Around me that means the 'box' hardware stores (like home depot) most of the places that sell transplants have it as well, I get mine from an organic farm they grow fresh herbs for grocery stores. I can also get loose bags (much more expensive but great for spot cleaning as I can just toss in a handful if needed) at hydroponic stores that typically sell products for grow you own wεεd.

I wish they had Melaleuca mulch here in Houston. :mad: If I could find an online store that can ship for a reasonable price I would buy it...

I know that there are a few Canadian breeders bring it in but it is very costly in small amounts for sure!