New substrate isse

Ok guys so I switched over to reptichip tonight because I was having some real difficulties with Aspen and my humidity levels were dropping under 50% even with spraying multiple times a day. Now, I knew there was going to be some adjustment period and I'd probably be running high for a day or so but I'm concerned with my guys behavior. He is perching himself up over his hide (very unlike him) and refuses to be on the substrate. All other husbandry is on point ( 91 on hot side 79-81 on cool side, multiple hides) this is just concerning as it's very unusual behavior and I'm wondering what I should do here.

Give him time to adjust, sounds like he's just "weirded out" by the sudden change.

That's kind of what I figured just freaked me out, I checked on him this morning and he was still posted up looks like he hasn't gone into any of his hides since the change and when I was changing his water out he was defensively striking at me. Very unhappy guy right now!

I agree the substrate is just "different" to him and he's adjusting. I think he'll settle in time.

I would also like to add that 91 may be a bit high. A lot of caresheets will suggest 91, but they're often old and outdated. I think you'll find most experienced keepers and breeders stay below 90 and aim for 88-89.

Ok thanks craig! I'll definitely adjust when I get home and drop that down a bit. I have fans on and I'm trying to circulate as much air as possible in there to get the humidity back down to an acceptable level. What do you guys think about just having aspen under his hides? Worth it or no?

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Originally Posted by Wizenshark

Ok thanks craig! I'll definitely adjust when I get home and drop that down a bit. I have fans on and I'm trying to circulate as much air as possible in there to get the humidity back down to an acceptable level. What do you guys think about just having aspen under his hides? Worth it or no?

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I've never tried that, or known anyone that has. I can't see any harm in trying.
You may want to swap it out come shed time though. Since humid hides are often offered, the Aspen hide would end up being the exact opposite. So that's something to consider.
In my experience, the snakes usually push the majority, if not all, of their substrate outside their hides. So there would be no benefit for me trying it. But all animals are different, so it just might do the trick for you.

I'll be interested in the results if you do try.