Substrate for racks

I currently use newspaper, I am fed up with it. I want to use a substrate that will help with humidity and be easy to clean. I also dont want the possibility of the animal ingesting any when being fed. Any thoughts? I use cypress for my water monitor and it holds humidity very well, but I worry about the snakes accidentally eating a piece with their rat. Not really a fan of bark. I have been told that aspen doesnt hold moisture well, allthough I have never used it. I was thinking paper towels, but I would imagine that would get expensive and wouldnt they tear easy when wet? I tried using sphagnum moss in a hide and what not, but then they deficate all over it and I know it can be washed and reused but again, its a pain in the ace :D

Any suggestions?

I think it all just depends on if you can find the perfect combination of: size of the tub, number of holes, type of substrate, size of water bowl & ambient humidity in your snake room.

I had about 12 holes in my 12 quart hatchling tubs. Tried dry paper towel, sprayed down paper towel (two spritzes), cypress and aspen. So far aspen is the only one that's worked for me with 12 holes.

Dry paper towel gave 30% humidity with 12 holes.
Sprayed down paper towel that was barely moist gave 85% humidity with 12 holes.
Cypress gave 90% humidity with 12 holes.
Aspen gives me 70% humidity with 12 holes, probably need to put a few more in there though to bring it down to 60%.

Paper towels, not that expensive really.
I prefer the tub keep the humidity and not the bedding, the proper amount of holes is how you contain humidity.

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Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

Paper towels, not that expensive really.
I prefer the tub keep the humidity and not the bedding, the proper amount of holes is how you contain humidity.

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Agreed. With the right amount of holes I keep a constant 60% with contractors paper in my tubs. It goes higher when they shed and I put my water bowls over the heat tape. During shed I hold about 70% or so.

Regards,

B

Newspaper is probably your best option if you're worried about the snakes ingesting substrate. Sure, with a substrate it's mostly spot cleaning but come time to swap out the entire tub you'll be missing that paper. I go aspen every year or two but after a while always return to newspaper. As long as your prey is dry when offering you don't really have to worry about them ingesting substrate but if you're the cautious type toss a piece of newspaper down when feeding.

As others have said the right amount of holes and water would make the humidity work great. Newspaper is good since you can usually get a lot of it for free. The only problem that I see from newspaper is the ink will bleed off the paper and onto your snake. I don't believe there is any long term damage just temporary discoloration of snake usually to the belly.
What I'm looking to do is by a big 100' roll of white paper and cut it down to the size I need. I just need to find somewhere to order it at. I know Ralph Davis uses pre-cut white paper.

I've tried aspen and I honestly just wasn't a fan of it. Newspaper is my substrate of choice.

Plus, I deliver newspapers so I always have a crap load around :cool:

If the color on the paper bothers you try calling some local newspaper companies. After they run a printing the "end rolls" usually have a fair amount of blank paper left on them that gets tossed. They're normally happy to let you pick it up for no charge.

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Originally Posted by John1982

If the color on the paper bothers you try calling some local newspaper companies. After they run a printing the "end rolls" usually have a fair amount of blank paper left on them that gets tossed. They're normally happy to let you pick it up for no charge.

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That's a great idea I actually have a aunt that is a manager for the Indianapolis Star the also run the overflow for some surrounding states.

I pick up a sheet of blank newspaper or packing paper from u-haul for $8. It has 200 sheets. They last me a while.

since im too lazy to cut the packing paper i switched back to newspaper and have no problems whats so ever with humidity. Like others said I will put the water bowl on the hot side during shed.

I am lucky. My best friend works at a printing company and cuts me paper to length and width. I get what they call damaged paper which is just bent ends and stuff like that. It is all white which I really like and it's the right price. FREE

I agree, all of mine are on paper,I just get a big box of unprinted pre cut sheets from U-Line, fits the tub perfect, slide the water bowl over the heat during sheds and voila, perfect 70% humidity

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Originally Posted by pinkeye714

I pick up a sheet of blank newspaper or packing paper from u-haul for $8. It has 200 sheets. They last me a while.

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I like this idea. I ma going to try it. Thanks for the tip!

I use newspaper. You could also use paper towels or butcher paper, but I'm not sure they would work any better than newspaper.

Paper towels. I was on aspen for the longest time, but just couldn't handle the stress of seeing little pieces of substrate get eaten. Then we had a mite infestation and everyone went on paper towels till it got cleared up. Well, the mites are gone and the paper's still here. Get them, from dollar general.