Problems with sand in bedding?

[keg11v]

I've noticed that the shredded coconut husk bedding I get from the local herp shop for my two ball pythons (both 30 years old this year!) has a small amount of sand in it, but lately the sand content appears to be increasing slightly. Probably some reason on the other side of the supply chain I'll never know.

Has anyone had serious health problems from a little sand in their habitat? Of course I'd never use it as a primary bedding ingredient.

Thanks

[Bogertophis]

Wow, you have TWO BPs that are turning 30 years old this year? That's very impressive!

Other than the fact that sand will scratch a plastic enclosure (if that happens to be how you're housing them), I doubt that it will matter at all as far as your snakes are concerned. Tiny scratches that result from cleaning the plastic surfaces are more likely to trap pathogens, but a little sand isn't the only cause- even paper towels have been known to scratch plastic. The ground outdoors where BPs evolved is surely a mixture anyway. Overall I'd say it's not a big deal, but you might give the source some feedback about it, especially if you find it to be objectionable.

[keg11v]

Thanks for your thoughts. I have to admit that the 30 years was a typo and I meant to type 20 years, haha sorry. We're shooting for at least another couple decades though!

[Bogertophis]

Thanks for your thoughts. I have to admit that the 30 years was a typo and I meant to type 20 years, haha sorry. We're shooting for at least another couple decades though!

You're forgiven, 20 years is still great.

And as far as a little sand in the bedding, the only other issue I know of is only an issue when & IF the substrate being used is mostly or entirely sand- it's known to cause microscopic cuts in a snake's skin when it gets trapped under their scales, & they move around, causing it to cut into their skin & cause infections. As in your case, it shouldn't be an issue.