Rabbit Pellets As Substrate?

[Pterolykus]

I took one of my Ball Pythons to the vet today and the vet told me that I should use rabbit pellets (hay pressed into pellet form) as my snakes substrate. I've never heard of that being used as snake bedding so it seems odd to me which is why I'm on here getting second opinions. I trust my vet but I get paranoid sometimes. She said if it's ingested it'll just pass like normal and not harm the snake.

[Neal]

I took one of my Ball Pythons to the vet today and the vet told me that I should use rabbit pellets (hay pressed into pellet form) as my snakes substrate. I've never heard of that being used as snake bedding so it seems odd to me which is why I'm on here getting second opinions. I trust my vet but I get paranoid sometimes. She said if it's ingested it'll just pass like normal and not harm the snake.

You'd be amazed at what the snake can ingest and be fine. I'm not knocking your doctor, but just because somebody went to school for something doesn't make them experts on everything. I would stick with tried and true methods that have been getting used by thousands of people without issues.

[MissterDog]

What is the reason your vet wants your bp on rabbit pellets? Is your vet an actual exotic vet with reptile experience or just a regular vet? Unless there is a specific purpose for using pellets I'd say your vet has no idea what they are talking about and you would be better finding another vet that actually specializes in reptiles.

[ceh23]

That is an odd recommendation. Maybe ask the vet the reasoning?

[WhompingWillow]

I can't see how this would be a good idea for a snake that needs humidity. I use pine pellets/wood stove pellets for our rabbit, and when they get wet they turn to sawdust... They'd honestly be even worse than aspen for BPs.

[SDA]

Is your vet an exotic specialist with experience in snakes? If so, I fail to see why any exotic vet would recommend a compressed food source as substrate. I am not going to judge a vet by second hand statements but if yours in not one that has actual experience with snakes they might not be able to give you proper medical or husbandry advice.

I am pro vet but I also never recommend a general practice vet AKA dog and cat vet for a snake.

[Pterolykus]

The vet I went to is an exotic only vet hospital. She asked me what substrate I use and I said "Eco Earth but I cleaned the tank recently and only had enough for half the tank so I mixed some Aspen in with it." That's when she told me about the pellets.
I use the Aspen for my Western Hognoses.

[Neal]

The vet I went to is an exotic only vet hospital. She asked me what substrate I use and I said "Eco Earth but I cleaned the tank recently and only had enough for half the tank so I mixed some Aspen in with it." That's when she told me about the pellets.
I use the Aspen for my Western Hognoses.

Exotic vet or not that doesn't mean snakes. They may deal with them but there's a big difference between specializing in them and dealing with them on occasion. I still wouldn't use the pellets. I would either stick with Aspen or switch to Coco husk.

[Pterolykus]

Exotic vet or not that doesn't mean snakes. They may deal with them but there's a big difference between specializing in them and dealing with them on occasion. I still wouldn't use the pellets. I would either stick with Aspen or switch to Coco husk.

Exactly why I'm here. Thanks for the help guys. I'll stick with my usual bedding.

[ElliotNess]

The only time I have seen the suggestion to use rabbit pellet is as bedding for rats based on its exceptional absorbency. The vet may have made the suggestion because of blockages the snake might have had. Aspen, Coco and paper are no brainers though.