What Substrate Should I be Using with a Ball Python?

[ballpythonsrock2]

I've been using aspen for over 20 years. Never any mildew, and no respiratory issues with the snakes on them. The above statement is not true, ie it's not a guarantee. I've lived in the highest humidity areas and no issues with it.

I also like Aspen just fine. I got mine at Walmart in the pet dept. they were 4 dollars a small bundle. I always changed my substrate and dis-infected every 30 days. That worked good.

[L.West]

I currently use reptile prime for my burrowing snakes and kraft paper for others

I prefer the paper because I feel like I can see every mess and the whole cage gets changed each mess.

I'm having a hard time finding the messes like urine on my Dums cage and I worry I'm missing it.

I thought I would smell it but I haven't found a mess in over 10 days which us odd for Dum, they tend to pee alot.

[crashpyrette]

I am in the same boat. I threw a hygrometer in my empty tank just to see what it would be in the ambient air for the day and found that it was at about 45% so I am planning on going with the forest floor to play with the humidity levels before I get one. I understand from different people I have asked that Aspen can run a little dry, so it isn't my first choice. I have heard for people who use it you can have a humid hide to keep up humidiy levels and an extra place for the snake to go for a good shed with careful observation. One person said their snake hid in it's humid hide for a week straight and ended up with scale rot. I think you got the right idea though, because that is basically what I am looking at once my bedding gets here. With the COVID thing going around I just ordered some online and am waiting for it to come in so I can test it out.

[vivi]

One person said their snake hid in it's humid hide for a week straight and ended up with scale rot.

That's why you only use humid hides when they are going into shed. Remove it when they are finished shedding.

[andeal]

I'm suprised no one has suggested newspaper or packing paper; packing paper especially. The main downside is that it doesn't look naturalistic, and the snake can't "burrow" (not that bps do much anyways). But it's easy to clean, easy to tell when dirty, and doesn't stick to their food. That last one is a huge plus for me.

[Faith.luu]

As mentioned by Stewart_Reptiles, it's a personal choice and is also dependent on where you live. I use aspen because their natural air temperature is humid, and not the ground, but that's just a personal preference. I also find that it's one of the more cheaper types of substrate. As long as you're happy with the substrate, have proper humidity, and a healthy bp, then it's all good.

Side question: Anyone try mixing aspen with any other substrate? I hear of different substrate mixes but none with aspen so far. Just looking for something that might look nicer or provide more benefits.

[RickyNY]

Aspen here. Never a problem with humidity or mold.