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  1. #1
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    Substrate for a ball python

    Hi all. I have owned balls/royals for nearly 2 yrs now and after extensive reading before hand and now I am the proud owner of 3!!

    I am thinking about changing their Viv's around a bit and I was wonder what substrate I can use instead of carpet grass as it doesn't look very attractive or really. My pythons get fed in their Viv's so that's the reason I haven't changed it to something else as I'm worried they world get soil or whatever on the food and become compacted.

    Any help will be great

    Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

  2. #2
    Bogertophis's Avatar
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    I like orchid bark, personally....it's a rich brown color & holds humidity. It also comes in large or tiny chunks...large would be best, it won't slide around so much
    & snakes like traction. You'll want to check with large plant nurseries or florists to buy in large (huge) bags for the best deal. Ask & read labels to make sure it's
    not sprayed with anything too.
    Last edited by Bogertophis; 08-14-2018 at 03:51 PM.

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    Re: Substrate for a ball python

    I use Reptile Prime for all my snakes. I think it's great.

    https://www.reptileprime.com
    3.0 Carpet Pythons, 1.1 Bullsnakes
    1.0 Olive Python 1.0 Scrub Python,
    1.0 BI, 0.1 BCO

  4. #4
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    I use a mix a Eco Earth and Repti-bark. I've been using it for years. It maintains humidity well, absorbs odor well and looks natural. I've never had an issue with impaction... nobody cleans their food in the wild...

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to Craiga 01453 For This Useful Post:

    MissterDog (08-14-2018)

  6. #5
    BPnet Veteran MissterDog's Avatar
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    I use mostly Reptichip and sometimes mix with Reptibark. Been working great for me!
    1.0 Ball Python (Mystic Potion) Tapioca
    0.1 Northern Pine Snake - Impa
    0.1 Russian Rat Snake (Melanistic) Kallari (RIP)

  7. #6
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    Re: Substrate for a ball python

    Thanks for the info, but shouldn't I be worried of them ingestion some of the substrate and become impacted?

    Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

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    Re: Substrate for a ball python

    Quote Originally Posted by midg8290 View Post
    Thanks for the info, but shouldn't I be worried of them ingestion some of the substrate and become impacted?

    Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk
    No.

    Nobody puts anything down for them in the wild, nobody cleans their food.

    If you're really worried you can put a paper plate, cardboard, etc... down. But most snakes will just drag it to where they want to eat anyway.

  9. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Craiga 01453 For This Useful Post:

    GoingPostal (08-14-2018),MissterDog (08-14-2018),PitOnTheProwl (08-14-2018),Zincubus (08-14-2018)

  10. #8
    BPnet Veteran MissterDog's Avatar
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    Re: Substrate for a ball python

    Quote Originally Posted by midg8290 View Post
    Thanks for the info, but shouldn't I be worried of them ingestion some of the substrate and become impacted?

    Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk


    Craig beat me to it lol. I wouldn't worry about it as noted above.

    Also to add, if you keep your f/t dry (thaw in a ziplock bag in water) that also helps minimize substrate sticking to the prey instead of having it wet.
    1.0 Ball Python (Mystic Potion) Tapioca
    0.1 Northern Pine Snake - Impa
    0.1 Russian Rat Snake (Melanistic) Kallari (RIP)

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  12. #9
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    Re: Substrate for a ball python

    Quote Originally Posted by craigafrechette View Post
    No.

    Nobody puts anything down for them in the wild, nobody cleans their food.

    If you're really worried you can put a paper plate, cardboard, etc... down. But most snakes will just drag it to where they want to eat anyway.
    THIS ..

    I put a couple of pieces of card down over the Repti bark in my vivs and feed over the card .. Those card separators in boxes of chocolates / biscuits also work a 'treat'..


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro




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    Craiga 01453 (08-14-2018)

  14. #10
    Registered User Zuri Indigo's Avatar
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    Re: Substrate for a ball python

    Quote Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    I like orchid bark, personally....it's a rich brown color & holds humidity. It also comes in large or tiny chunks...large would be best, it won't slide around so much
    & snakes like traction. You'll want to check with large plant nurseries or florists to buy in large (huge) bags for the best deal. Ask & read labels to make sure it's
    not sprayed with anything too.
    Where do you buy your orchid bark? And how do you treat it if you do.
    Proud owner of a Black Pastel Mojave baby boy

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