What's the best substrate?

[Snagrio]

It's the same things as Eco Earth... just a different brand.

I've never used the coco fiber for my snakes, but people do use it. I honestly don't know what the risk level is, but people against using it will say it easier for impaction to occur. I guess the theory being that it sticks to the food prey when the snakes eats it. The larger chunks of ReptiChip are less likely for that to be swallowed. Again, never tried it, but it IS used.

I think it "looks" nicer the enclosure... looking like loose dirt. But also probably a little harder to clean.

Just my 2¢.

Coco fiber is just too dusty for my tastes. Used it for a while and was getting fed up at how it coated everything in dust the second it'd get dry. Switched to coco husk (and eventually mixed in other elements for an overall more "natural" substrate) and it's so much better.

[nikkubus]

What is best really depends on your climate and tastes. I have really been a fan of CocoBlox by Freedom Breeder, but I buy it in super-bulk so it's not as expensive for me as it would be for someone with only an animal or two (5 full bricks is basically me doing a full change on all my snakes at once). The sizes of the chunks seems to work better for me than other products I've tried made from coco, and it seems to release moisture at just the right rate for my climate, where smaller chunks release it a bit faster and I get peaks and troughs of humidity. I'd say try a small amount of ReptiChip or similar once even if it's more expensive and see how it performs for you. If it sucks in your climate, it's not really "cheaper" if you aren't going to use it all. If you live somewhere pretty dry, ReptiChip is probably spot on. If you live somewhere already pretty humid, I'd go with something more synthetic or aspen chips unless you dislike the aesthetics of it. I'm right in the middle, where in the absence of heating elements the humidity is perfect for BPs, but the heating elements dry it out enough that I need that little extra boost.

[Charles8088]

What is best really depends on your climate and tastes. I have really been a fan of CocoBlox by Freedom Breeder, but I buy it in super-bulk so it's not as expensive for me as it would be for someone with only an animal or two (5 full bricks is basically me doing a full change on all my snakes at once). The sizes of the chunks seems to work better for me than other products I've tried made from coco, and it seems to release moisture at just the right rate for my climate, where smaller chunks release it a bit faster and I get peaks and troughs of humidity. I'd say try a small amount of ReptiChip or similar once even if it's more expensive and see how it performs for you. If it sucks in your climate, it's not really "cheaper" if you aren't going to use it all. If you live somewhere pretty dry, ReptiChip is probably spot on. If you live somewhere already pretty humid, I'd go with something more synthetic or aspen chips unless you dislike the aesthetics of it. I'm right in the middle, where in the absence of heating elements the humidity is perfect for BPs, but the heating elements dry it out enough that I need that little extra boost.

I've used CocoBlox... great stuff. The last batch I also bought in bulk... I only have 4 snakes, but just store the stuff in the shed, no biggie.

With that said, I find it to be pretty much the same as ReptiChip, so I always go with which I can find for cheapest.

Nikkibus, how do you compare CocoBlox with ReptiChip? You use more of it, so maybe you notice a difference. For me they seem the same.

[nikkubus]

I've used CocoBlox... great stuff. The last batch I also bought in bulk... I only have 4 snakes, but just store the stuff in the shed, no biggie.

With that said, I find it to be pretty much the same as ReptiChip, so I always go with which I can find for cheapest.

Nikkibus, how do you compare CocoBlox with ReptiChip? You use more of it, so maybe you notice a difference. For me they seem the same.

The difference isn't huge by any means, but I think on average, CocoBlox tends to have much less medium to small pieces somehow. I'm not sure the difference in the process they use to make it vs ReptiChip and others. It's admittedly been several years since I've bought a bag of ReptiChip though, so it's also possible it's changed over time too. Another possibility is that since I'm closer to FB, the bags get a lot less beat up in shipping and what I'm saying doesn't even apply to people on the opposite side of the country, I didn't even think of that till just now. As tightly as they are both packed, I don't think that's what it is though.

[Ruby]

I think on average, CocoBlox tends to have much less medium to small pieces somehow.

I haven't tried CocoBlox, But josh's frogs coco husk seems very similar. I dislike the large chip sizes, That's why I'm leaning towards something similar to Eco Earth.

[Zincubus]

Orchid bark

I’ve always used it though I only have bright coloured snakes which look great on dark brown bark chips ..


It looks great and natural plus it’s fabulous for adjusting / maintaining the humidity


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Ruby]

Orchid bark

I’ve always used it though I only have bright coloured snakes which look great on dark brown bark chips ..


It looks great and natural plus it’s fabulous for adjusting / maintaining the humidity


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Oh that sounds great! Do you buy it online? If so, Could you send a link?

[Bogertophis]

Oh that sounds great! Do you buy it online? If so, Could you send a link?

I don't have a link for orchid bark off-hand, but I like it too, for some things- like in humid hides. It comes in large chunks or small chips. I'm sure you can find it online- just search it- though I assume you're wanting a brand recommendation- I haven't bought any in quite a while.

[KingPythons]

I would say that "spot cleaning" only goes so far, as germs are left that you cannot see- & it becomes a health issue- not just about the odor.

As long as you're using disposable substrates, you'll always be buying more. There's an option if you'd rather spend money only once- but you'll be handwashing instead. Backless indoor-outdoor carpet lasts just about forever, can be cut to fit, & washed & disinfected almost endlessly. Best to have at least 2 so that one is always ready to replace the dirty one after a quick wipe down. It's not the best for holding humidity though- but you can use a humid hide instead, & mist now & then if needed also. It's available in many good colors, sold in large home improvement stores like Lowe's or Home Depot- usually sold by the foot from a 12' roll. Plan measurements ahead of time. When you wash it, you can also shake out most of the water & use immediately for more humidity. It also offers good traction that snakes like, AND if you're using UTH, heat rises easily up through it. (Cuts easily with normal scissors too.)

Honestly, you just blew my mind!!

[KingPythons]

I always think repticasa coconut chips look cool in a tub or tank. If I’m always going to clean anyways, I’ll stick with newspaper. Easy for me to say when I only have one worm… for now