question about substrate

[XIIIPythons]

So im using cypress mulch atm for my substrate and i was wondering can it mildew or start to grow anything on it? i dont keep the humidity super high but they do spill water from there bowl and some of the cypress gets wet.. also how often should i change the cypress.. im honestly thinking of goin to papertowels or back to newspaper. so much cleaner and easier

[mpkeelee]

ya if it gets wet it can get moldy which is very bad for ur snake. i used to clean it completely after a poop, but only spot clean for urine unless it was unusually large or wet.
papertowels/newspaper of some sort is the way to go. i made the switch and its sooooo much better. my snakes like it too

[zina10]

If you want something more "naturalistic" looking, yet easy to maintain, look into those coco mulch bricks.

Have kept snakes on that for years !!! It turns into fine dirt. You can mist it to raise humidity and let it dry out in between.

Easy to scoop out waste, too. Always looks and smells fresh after a misting, too. I add to it after a while, when running low. Like I said, done this for years, never a problem. I've even fed on it. Occasionally the snake would get a bit of it in its mouth, but since it is fine dirt, never a problem, unlike big pieces of aspen or wood mulch...

Btw, never had mold problems or other nasties like that...

[Maverick67]

I use the coconut husk substrate as well. I love the stuff. especially using a glass tank for an enclosure it really helps to hold humidity. Its a little messy to change the tank but i think its well worth it.