Changing substrate update

[chapskis1]

A few days ago I asked for advice on which substrate to change to. I have been using unprinted newspaper -- it is super easy to clean up, but it was killing my humidity during this Minnesota winter (I was steadily at only about 30%).

Some people suggested aspen and cypress mulch. I like the look of cypress, and I thought it might hold humidity well. I bought a bag today, and now my hunidity is sitting at 80%. I realize that is a little high, but I noticed that there was a little moisture in the bag before I opened it, so I'm thinking the humidity will go down a little in a day or two now that the mulch is not sealed up in plastic.

Now, the true test will come on Sunday, when it is feeding time (he's never refused a meal yet) *knock, *knock -- then I will know if I am a fan of the cypress or not. He seems pretty content so far with the change -- I haven't really seen him out of his hide (which is good).

Thanks everyone for the help!!

-- George

[Kaorte]

Don't be surprised if he doesn't eat next week, it doesn't necessarily mean it was a change for the worse. Sometimes even a substrate change is enough to make the snake uncomfortable with its environment. In about a week or two, they will get used to it.

[chapskis1]

Now, the true test will come on Sunday, when it is feeding time (he's never refused a meal yet) *knock, *knock -- then I will know if I am a fan of the cypress or not. He seems pretty content so far with the change -- I haven't really seen him out of his hide (which is good).

I'm not sure if anyone cares or not , but I just fed my BP today. He struck within seconds of me offering the rat. So, I guess changing his substrate didn't stress him out at all!!

Later,

George