I have bedding questions

[ssballow]

I am using newspaper for substrate, but a problem has ocurred. My snake likes to burrow under the newspaper and make a mess of his tub. I found him yesterday under four layers of newspaper on the plastic over the under tank heater.I transferred him into his hide because I don't want him to get burnt! Would it be better to use aspen substrate?

If I use aspen, do I put down newspaper first and aspen on top?

[pavlovk1025]

Uhhh...snakes burrow no matter what the substrate. The best way to keep your snake from getting burnt is to regulate the heating device with a thermostat or a dimmer switch. Under tank heaters can reach temps of up to 114 degrees, some can short out and get even hotter. I personally use newspaper. Aspen makes things a little to dry for my liking,but it is all a matter of personal preference. Bottom line, regulate the heat pad. Cheap alternatives- walmart dimmer switch 8 bucks, Repti-Temp 500R thermostat from PetCo or PetsMart 25 bucks. Good luck!

Edit...and if youre going to use Aspen, it would be easier to put down newspaper first and then the aspen...less hassle at cleaning time. Just lift out the paper with the aspen on it.

[Elise.m]

I once read on here that BPs don't typically burrow unless they are trying to get warmer. Are your temps high enough?

[ssballow]

It is plenty warm. I'm using aheating pad under the tank on low. He has been liking to hide right at the edge of the pad. I may need to get a dimmer to bring it down slightly. Humidity stays at 50 - 55%. I can raise the humidity 5% by openning the back door of the house.

[joshn6805]

It is plenty warm. I'm using aheating pad under the tank on low. He has been liking to hide right at the edge of the pad. I may need to get a dimmer to bring it down slightly. Humidity stays at 50 - 55%

Have you ever put a recorded these his temps? it Might be to low or to high if you have never put a thermometer to it. She might have security issues as well, if her hide is not touching her on all sides she might be lacking the needed feel for security so she is burrowing to feel more secure. but if she is doing it over a heat pad I would think its a heating issue, shes trying to get warmer.

[ssballow]

Have you ever put a recorded these his temps? it Might be to low or to high if you have never put a thermometer to it.

No, what is the best way to do this? I have a temperature guage for the ambient, but do I need on of those strips for the bottom of the tank?

[joshn6805]

You can go to walmart and pick up an Acurite. its a really cheap digital thermometer/hygrometer. Its really a neccesity, you should always have one. I wouldnt waste my money on a stick theremometer or an analog one. The Acurite is 11$ around here.