Sani Chips, or Aspen Bedding?

[CoolioTiffany]

Last night, I was thinking about both of those snake substrates. And I see a ton of people use one or the other. Though, they seem the same to me in a way. Sani Chips= smaller version of Aspen, Aspen= larger version of Sani. Here are some questions that ran through my head:
1- would you use Sani Chips for a snake of any age? Or would you stop using it at a certain age?
2- would you use Sani Chips for smaller snakes? Such as baby and juvenile snakes as well as snakes that do not get very big (max 4 feet)?
3- are these substrates pretty much the same, or if the answer is "not really", which do you think is better (in your opinion)?
4- where could you purchase Sani Chips (other than online.. I don't shop online Dx)

I was wondering this because I see more people use Sani Chips for baby/smaller snakes and then use the Aspen for their larger snakes. Plus, I want a new bedding.. maybe for all of my snakes. I'm starting not to really like Cypress that much for my BPs and Aspen is getting SO OLD for me. I've used paper towels before and I just don't really like how basic the enclosure looks. I don't mind doing extra work at all, in fact, I love to clean cages no matter how dirty and smelly they get!

[Oroborous]

Aspen bedding all the way.
That's what I use for my snakes anyway, I love it, the Zoo Med brand I think it is.

[MelissaFlipski]

Sani-chips are virtually dust free so are nice for burrowing snakes that go down in them. They also absorb urine better. I like them b/c I have an issue with airborne dust. But b/c they are smaller there could be more of a problem with potentially swallowing some with the prey. There are debates over whether this is a valid concern or not. I've heard it both ways.

Finding it depends on where you live. Some suppliers sell it at retail outlets, just depend what the pet supplier carries in the store.

What are you housing in it?

[CoolioTiffany]

Sani-chips are virtually dust free so are nice for burrowing snakes that go down in them. They also absorb urine better. I like them b/c I have an issue with airborne dust. But b/c they are smaller there could be more of a problem with potentially swallowing some with the prey. There are debates over whether this is a valid concern or not. I've heard it both ways.

Finding it depends on where you live. Some suppliers sell it at retail outlets, just depend what the pet supplier carries in the store.

What are you housing in it?

Well, I currently own 3 colubrids that are on Aspen. I have 2 pythons that are on Cypress and a boa who is also on Aspen (and bark chips as the bottom layer). When I mix around the Aspen, all this dust flies around the enclosure and in my face so when I breathe it in I start to cough, a LOT. The thing is, I've had my boa and my colubrids eat in their enclosure and sometimes even accidentally swallow the Aspen (and sometimes big/long pieces too..) and nothing has happened to them. I doubt the Sani Chips would do anything if my snakes could easily pass a big/long piece of Aspen.

[geckopython]

i like sani chips but they stick on my snakes food so go with ASPEN

[Simpson Balls]

i like sani chips but they stick on my snakes food so go with ASPEN

And Aspen doesn't?

Daniel

[CoolioTiffany]

And Aspen doesn't?

Daniel

Lol that's the same question I was thinking.. Aspen ALWAYS sticks to the food.. Dx

[Tyler_Royality]

Aspen doesnt stick to your food if you thaw your prey in a dry manner. I thaw my prey in my incubator or in a rubbermaid tub in a bath tub full of hot water. this way the rats (in my case) dont get wet at all. this works perfect. and the aspen doesnt usually stick to it at all. id much rather my snakes swallow some aspen then mulch. I used sani chips before. I just didnt like how failed to compact and stay in one possition like the aspen does.