Bedding - Thoughts/Suggestions Please

[Tiffanie]

We are currently using Aspen bedding in ur 36X18X16 tank. Nothing against Aspen bedding but after having Boston for 3 weeks, we have noticed that the tank is starting to smell a bit and it has been a ongoing battle trying to maintain the proper humidity levels. We were thinking of trying a different bedding to see what works best for us and Boston. We are first time owners and have a few question for all you experts to share your feedback. Thank you all in advance for all the guidance you offer. So appreciated !!!

1) When changing bedding in the entire tank, will this stress him out? Should we use the same "look but dont touch" rule for a week or so after changing?

2)After a few hours of research, I have come across this coconut husk Eco Earth Terrarium Bedding which looks great http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejAiR25zbEw Was thinking of topping it with something like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BViFyJ1qJMI just for added comfort/security. With the 2 high moisture products, am I just asking for Boston to get scale rot? Or possibly other issues that I dont know of? Any one using these products that can offer feedback?

3) Are their any other products that I may not know of that I should consider?

Thanks again everyone for reading and taking the time to reply

[zachbinger]

I use aspen and cypress mulch mixed 70/30 and it keeps the humidity good and i use sphagnum moss to raise humidity for shedding

[purple python]

Mixing the coconut husk with another substrate is fine, as long as you don't spray too much. Personally, I prefer cypress mulch, I haven't noticed any issues with odor using this substrate, and my humidity is about 50-60% all the time with minimal spraying. As far as changing the bedding, I've never had issues with my ball pythons becoming stressed from it, but I try not to make it stressfull. Move them to a separate container till the job is done. Your ball python will probably be interested and wonder around the new, clean, environment and this is normal. Handling should be fine, just do so as you usually do - properly and know when to put them back.

[Tiffanie]

Handling should be fine, just do so as you usually do - properly and know when to put them back.

Awesome thank you for the suggestions!

You mention "knowing when to put him back" in your reply. I was actually just going to start a thread to ask how much handling is recommended. Can I pick your brain on this topic?

[purple python]

Awesome thank you for the suggestions!

You mention "knowing when to put him back" in your reply. I was actually just going to start a thread to ask how much handling is recommended. Can I pick your brain on this topic?

Really depends on the snake. I have young one that is only comfortable with being held 10-20 minutes before she gets antsy and balls up, I have another that is totally chill with being held all day, every day if I wanted to, and then I have others that just want to explore everything when out of their cage. Get to know your snake, with time and consistent handling they will grow to tolerate you and be more at ease. I like to start out by giving them a little freedom on the floor or my bed then gradually start to hold them more often, letting them freely move through my hands, don't try to force them into any position or prevent them from moving. I think daily for short periods of time is fine with the exception of after meals and during shedding, but personally I only handle every few days - because I have a lot of ball pythons haha.