Substrate?

[gameonpython]

This is a widely discussed topic I know, and I've searched this forum as well as the web for answers to my question, but can't seem to find one! So my question is this: which substrate will my snake be most comfortable in? Which one will allow him to move with ease? Which will feel nice on his belly? I want him to feel as comfortable as possible. I'm guessing not aspen or wood chips of any kind, that seems like it would be poky, bumpy, and hard to move around on. I was thinking coco coir, along with moss would be nice. Right now I'm using paper towel. Looks, price, cleanliness, moisture are NOT things I'm asking about, I just want my snake to be comfortable. Please let me know what you think and what you have used!


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[Eric Alan]

Cypress mulch is the preferred substrate of many keepers on here.

Edit: Or aspen depending on the snake's age...

[michaelt]

I use Eco earth in my pvc enclosure which he seems to like and it absorbs his messes great. In my glass tank I was mixing it with cypress mulch which I wasn't to crazy about due to the hog and sticks but helped with humity.

[Sauzo]

I use aspen for all my snakes and it works fine. I use the finely shredded stuff though, not the larger shaved stuff like you see for rodents. Its the Zoo Med stuff, more expensive but I like how its nicely shredded and packs down nice. I used Eco Earth for about a year and that stuff was just a mess. It gets all over the place and unless you keep spraying it down, it will dry out and get dusty. I've never used cypress but I also don't have humidity issues as I use Proline cages which hold humidity fine with just a large water bowl half under the RHP. Also the Eco Earth was a pain during cage cleanings. Aspen is much easier. I just pick it up by hand as like I said I packs down nicely. Then just hit the vacuum for the small stuff and chlorhexadine down the whole inside and throw new aspen back in. I usually change out the whole substrate every couple months and just spot clean inbetween.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Cypress, aspen and other wood substrate work just fine, might not be comfortable to YOU but they work and some have husbandry advantages .

Meeting a BP's needs and applying your human emotions or needs with it comes to husbandry are 2 different things.


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[DVirginiana]

I use cypress mulch and it works great.

Looks, price, cleanliness, moisture are NOT things I'm asking about

Those are things the snake would benefit from as well. The better a substrate soaks up moisture, the more comfortable your snake will be after going to the bathroom. The better it holds in moisture, the easier it is to keep your snake's humidity where he likes it. You'll never really know what your snake likes or dislikes, so the best thing you can do is keep your husbandry top notch and that'll keep your snake as close to 'happy' as they ever really get

[PitOnTheProwl]

Paper towels.....
Easy for everyone.

The things you dont want answered are what matter most.

[bcr229]

Double-chop cypress mulch is actually pretty soft and works well for maintaining humidity and absorbing messes. My baby BRB's love it.

[gameonpython]

Ok, so I know the other factors( looks, price, etc) are important and will help me decide, Just wanted people to stay on track.


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[gameonpython]

Cypress, aspen and other wood substrate work just fine, might not be comfortable to YOU but they work and some have husbandry advantages .

Meeting a BP's needs and applying your human emotions or needs with it comes to husbandry are 2 different things.


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Not trying to get emotional, just seems like it would be very hard to move on wood substrate when you have no legs or arms


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