A seldom (never?) noted advantage of flat substrate (newspaper, paper towel, etc)

[Bogertophis]

My sister uses something like that for her leopard geckos, it’s a very nice idea and cost saving too! I don’t have tanks anymore but might have to use this idea whenever I finally pick up a Green Tree Python


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I use carpet for my biggest snakes- as so much loose substrate is just such a mess. (I have 19 snakes though, so I wouldn't want to use in all tanks.) I used carpet for the BCI I had for many years too- she did great with it. You can spot clean it, & also disinfect it, & if the snake likes some humidity, it doesn't need to be completely dry to put it back- the water shakes out quickly, though it's easier to have 2 carpets cut per tank, one ready to substitute. I cut them larger than the floor, so they fold up about 3" on all sides (easier if you notch a square from each corner ) & it's thick enough & firm enough that very few snakes will tunnel under it- (maybe a bull snake would, or a king? but none of my snakes ever dig under it.) Another thing I love about it is that UTH heat comes right up thru it easily. It's sold in Lowe's/Home Depot type stores, usually on a 12' roll by the foot- not expensive either, esp. for all the wear you get out of it. Left over pieces can be rolled up & fastened as tunnel-hides, & various other uses. Cuts easily with good scissors. If I only had a few snakes, I'd use it for all, but there's only so many carpets I want to wash. The snakes LOVE the traction too.

My only caution- if you use it for a snake with long teeth (boa, BP, etc) make SURE they aren't fed directly on it- they can hook their teeth into it when they open their mouth wide to pick up their prey- using a "plate" is essential.

And again- I'm not keeping BPs any more- so I'm not saying this is a perfect substrate for them- just discussing the many options for substrate. I was going to apologize for being "off topic" but carpet actually IS a "flat substrate" too, just a thicker one with excellent texture, lol. I suppose it could be used for a BP, as long as you provide a really good humid hide also.