Need help with substrate options

[L.West]

I am only used to keeping BP's which I use the Uline Indented Craft Paper which has always worked out beautifully for them. Well, I recently got an RTB (BCI) who is almost 4 feet long and attempted to use the same paper for his cage - well, it ain't going so smoothly - his cage looks like he had a major party in it by morning - the decorations (logs/greenery/hides) are moved all over the place and the paper is all crumpled up.

I was wondering if since I am using the black plastic cages from RBI if I could just not use any substrate - would this be okay? If not, what do you all suggest. Iam awhere of aspen bedding but I would be concerned with feeding him with that in his cage.

Please, any with some suggestions - I would be greatful.

Thank you.

[Wh00h0069]

I personally use Kraft paper as well for my larger boas, and do not have any issues. Maybe if you give him some time he will settle down. If not, you could use a number of other types of substrate. I like cypress mulch. I have not used loose substrate very often, but have never had any issues with them digesting the substrate when they have swallowed it. I have heard of others putting in a piece of newspaper right before feeding to lessen the chance of their snakes swallowing substrate.

[L.West]

He seems quiet and content during the day but at night while he is out roaming is when he gets his cage in a mess. I really prefer the craft paper - it is sooo clean - and you can always tell if they have made a mess or not.

I had originally put pieces of rock/slate on top of his hides to weigh them down but I think this may be the reason the paper is getting all messed up because he is pushing the hides and with the added weight of the rocks it is scrunching up the paper - I have now removed the rocks to see if that fixes the problem.

I have a 4 foot cage so I put alot of decorations in to fill it up for him - logs, plants and such - which are also adding to the problem of the paper scrunching up.

[L.West]

Have any of you ever heard of a substrate/bedding called Diamond Soft?? It was recommended to me but I don't know where to get it.

Thanks.

[Wh00h0069]

Have any of you ever heard of a substrate/bedding called Diamond Soft?? It was recommended to me but I don't know where to get it.

Thanks.

Is diamond soft the bleached wood substrate? I have never used it myself. I believe it is a bit more expensive than other types, but does look very nice. IIRC, Ben Renick uses it. http://www.benrenick.com/ If so, he would be able to give you better info.

[CoolioTiffany]

I have my Boa Constrictor on aspen bedding and he does just fine with feeding and hasn't ever became impacted. He has two identical hides, this log he can climb around on, and a large water dish. Even though he doesn't have a whole lot of cage items to move around, he does just fine on that substrate.

[L.West]

I am just trying to get some ideas inline just in case I have to switch from my paper. He did good yesterday and last night - so hopefully I won't have to switch because I really like using the paper.

Thx

[Vypyrz]

Try using the normal kraft paper. That way the stuff can slide around on it...

[L.West]

what is regular craft paper??? Have you used the Indented Craft Paper that I was referring to - what is the difference between the two.

Thanks

[Oroborous]

Aspen all the way. I use it for all my snakes(except my blood, he's on cypress)and have for years with no problems. It is easy to clean, cheap, looks good, and my snakes like it.