Aspen bedding

[Cheesenugget]

So, I know that a lot of people don't like aspen bedding for ball pythons, and I understand the reasons. Because of the research I did before getting my snakes, I've kept both of my BP girls on a mix of coco husk and sphagnum moss since I got them (one in April, the other in May). But then I got my baby bullsnake last month, and got aspen bedding for him so he could dig, and I like it so much better! It looks nicer, it smells lovely and clean, and the kind I got is soft with quite small pieces. Totoro hasn't had any trouble with eating it when I feed him, which was one of the main concerns, and the other was humidity which honestly, the aspen stays damp much longer than the BP's substrate when I mist down their tubs (ETA: I live in Colorado, where keeping humidity high is an issue regardless of substrate). It's also much easier to find and clean out their poops, because they don't blend in with the coco husk. Plus, I HAVE had trouble with the girls swallowing the coco husk because it's so fine and sticks to their prey items like dirt. Once, Tonks even accidentally struck at the hot spot from her heat lamp instead of her mouse because of the heat signature, and we were both very traumatized by the mouthful of "dirt" she ended up with that I had to clean out for her (do not recommend!).

What do you guys think about trying my BPs on aspen? I'm new enough at this to be unsure if aspen is just universally NONONO for ball pythons, or if it's more of a "do what works for you" kind of issue. I want to do what's best for my snakes so I'll stick with the coco/sphagnum if I have to, but I really just hate it and the aspen in the bullsnake tub is sooo much nicer.

I wouldn't spray any water on the aspen. That stuff molds fast without water. I previously used aspen in tubs for a variety of snakes, including ball python. It works out because the tub already provided the constant humidity at 50-60% so I just needed some substrate that won't raise it higher than needed. And my ball python don't like wet/damp substrate. It would mold now and then. Sometimes it's hard to see the mold unless you dig around, smell it, or it is obvious, so being extra careful not to wet aspen was a pain too. Not to mention, there is a lot of dust which lots of people don't like. With that said, I like aspen. It does look nice, baby snakes seem to enjoy burrowing in it, it keeps humidity low for the snakes that need it, good at soaking up pee, and nice look for tanks. I don't use it anymore because of the cost and I found a cheaper, better alternative like coco husk. Currently there is low stock of coco husk or the price had gone up, so I'm temporarily using coco fiber, which works just as great both wet or dry (it can get dusty as well) which is still slightly cheaper than aspen.

So to answer your question, do what works for you. Try different substrates. Some people like to make their own by mixing it with organic soil.