Best substrate for ball pythons

Hi all,

what does everyone suggest for a substrate that will hold humidity? I have a pastel firefly ball python and her shedding has been rough. I’m getting closer with covering the top 1/2 of her screened top and misting, but I think something that holds moisture will also help. Thanks in advance for any ideas. Oh and is it typical for her to be really grumpy during shedding?

Proper enclosure helps most.
You will need to cover most of your screen top to get close to where you need to be.
Eco earth holds a lot of moisture.

I use a blend of Eco Earth and ReptiBark. It holds humidity well, spot cleans easy, retains odor and looks naturalistic.

You can also add a larger or second water bowl to help with humidity.

My vet told me specifically to avoid Eco Earth and switch over to Cypress mulch to help keep a higher humidity and prevent any dust getting into the snake’s mouth/lungs. That’s what I was told :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ImOtterHere

My vet told me specifically to avoid Eco Earth and switch over to Cypress mulch to help keep a higher humidity and prevent any dust getting into the snake’s mouth/lungs. That’s what I was told :gj:

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Is your vet an exotics vet who specializes in reptiles? Or I your vet a typical cat/dog vet that sees exotics as well?

I only ask because I know of countless keepers and breeders who have decades of experience with thousands of snakes, myself included, who use Eco Earth and have for years.

There is no "best." There is only "best for your situation."

People like me who live in the south can get a away with paper and bowl of water. People elsewhere may need something like mulch to increase humidity.

I use forest Floor. Its Cypress Mulch.