What Substrate Should I be Using with a Ball Python?

[viper69]

You want a substrate that holds humidity. Aspen does NOT. Aspen will mildew and cause respiratory issues. Forest floor, cypress mulch, reptichip, coco block, paper, paper towels are all good choices.

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I've been using aspen for over 20 years. Never any mildew, and no respiratory issues with the snakes on them. The above statement is not true, ie it's not a guarantee. I've lived in the highest humidity areas and no issues with it.

[ballpythonsrock2]

I've been using aspen for over 20 years. Never any mildew, and no respiratory issues with the snakes on them. The above statement is not true, ie it's not a guarantee. I've lived in the highest humidity areas and no issues with it.

I also like Aspen just fine. I got mine at Walmart in the pet dept. they were 4 dollars a small bundle. I always changed my substrate and dis-infected every 30 days. That worked good.

[L.West]

I currently use reptile prime for my burrowing snakes and kraft paper for others

I prefer the paper because I feel like I can see every mess and the whole cage gets changed each mess.

I'm having a hard time finding the messes like urine on my Dums cage and I worry I'm missing it.

I thought I would smell it but I haven't found a mess in over 10 days which us odd for Dum, they tend to pee alot.