Questions: Aspen Substrate

[NightLad]

Hi everybody,

I’ve read the posts on the poll about substrate and I think I’ve learned a lot. However, I do have some specific questions about a couple different types.

1) Aspen: this sounds great, with holding moisture and being easy to spot-clean. However...

1. When feeding is it possible for the snake to get this stuck in his/her mouth or to swallow it? If so, is there any possibility of it harming the animal or can they digest it?
   
   I read on another forum that if snakes eat certain mulch/fibre substrates they can eventually die because it won’t digest and will just build up in their bellies. I don’t know if that is true or not, but I know it can happen to birds with certain indigestible items.
   
   
2. Is it true Aspen is prone to molding? How often would you recommend changing the entire substrate? (I’d guess once a month.)
   
   
3. Would this be a suitable substrate for a 2-month old? I would be fine keeping him on paper, but I am having trouble keeping the humidity up. I have thus far managed to do it, but only with a lot of work – more so than I take it should be necessary.

2) ReptiBark: it seems that it does not hold moisture as well, but it is impervious (or close to it) to molding. However, not many people seem to suggest it for snakes.

1. Are there any qualities that might make it preferable to Aspen?
   
   
2. Might it be advisable to use one type of substrate for young BPs and then switch to another as adults? (Specify?)

Thanks in advance!

[Argentra]

Hmm, well I tried carpet, paper, and cypress mulch before the final choice of aspen and I love the stuff...so do the snakes.

I've used it on rodents and snakes alike for months now and never seen a speck of mold. Doesn't mean it can't, but I mist my BP regularly now and still not a bit. And I don't see why it couldn't be used for a young snake, especially if you used the sani-chip aspen (I think its called) that is in smaller pieces.

I don't know about digestion of aspen, but I do know it would be safer in that regard than the bark. I feed Nagini in another enclosure, because she prefers it that way, so I don't know how prone BPs are to getting it in their mouths. But I can tell you that I feed both my corns in their cages, and they have pretty deep layers of the aspen, and neither has ever had a problem with getting a few pieces in with the mouse.

I also agree that it is much easier to spot, and fully, clean. Less waste when spot cleaning, too. I change out my cages completely every month, or if they've been particularly messy. Since I use a layer of newsprint under the aspen, I just roll up the paper with the bedding inside and *poof* done.

I think that about covers it...sorry for rambling on.

[NightLad]

I think that about covers it...sorry for rambling on.

I don’t think you were ‘rambling’ at all! You answered my questions and helped put my mind at ease about the exploding-stomach thing.

I bought a bag of Aspen and a bag of ReptiBark. I originally planned on just the aspen, but then I saw that many reptiles in the store were housed on the Bark, so I decided to get a bag of that too. I’d rather change the substrate sooner rather than later (again, for humidity) and I figure I can always just return a bag of whatever I don’t use later this week.

Thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions.

I hope to get many responses, since there does seem to be some ‘debate’ about substrates... however, as of now I’m feeling confident with Aspen. If anybody else has a comment to make, feel free! I’m checking back often.

[Larry Suttles]

I use the sani chips and I really like it. I've only been using it for a few months but I've never had any issues with mold or the snakes digesting it.

Spot cleaning is a breeze and it vaccums up easy with is a huge plus

[Argentra]

Just to let you know, the stores use that stuff because that's what the crappy policies tell them to use on all reptiles. Often, unless it's a small, well run private owned store, the things that stores do are only done to save time and money, not for the good of the animal.

[SoundUnsleep]

... Often, unless it's a small, well run private owned store, the things that stores do are only done to save time and money, not for the good of the animal.

THANK YOU!!!

NightLad, I'm gonna throw another one at ya! I'm using wood pulp for my ball pythons. It's less dusty and you see right away, if there's a mess that needs cleaned up. Wood pulp is the material that paper towel is made of, so it absorbs the sneaky critters' messes fast. Disadvantages: Wood pulp is more expensive than aspen and humidity needs a bit of fine tuning since it soaks some of it up.

[Reptilian]

There is a possibility with any substrate to be ingested. You can be creative and find a way to ingest newspaper too, though I don't suggest it.

I had an experience after feeding live (which has not been switched to f/t just cause he'd take it and it's easier) that Spot, my bp tagged a mouse, coiled around it proceeding to eat it and had piece of aspen stuck in his mouth. With gentle care I removed the apsen peice and swithed him to newspaper. I then later switched him back to aspen and monitor him when he feeds just to be sure. With feeding frozen thawed, I make sure the prey is hot and then pat it dry so it isn't damp and won't pick up any substrate.

So yeah...I am all for aspen, I was thinking of switching to coconut type substrate since I am having slight humidity issues.

[Sparky1]

Just to throw my two cents in i really dislike the Repti-bark product, i picked up a bag a lil bit ago to use in my RTB tank and that stuff dries out so fast its crazy! On the other hand it does not mold so you can can get it wet again and you have no worries.

[Brimstone111888]

I use Aspen and love it. Easy to spot clean and hold moisture well. Also these snakes dissolve bone, teeth, and many other strong stuff, so a thin piece of aspen should not be a problem.

[shag]

I've been using aspen from the start and wouldn't change, depending on how many soils I spot clean I've been able to go 2+ months before changing out the entire tank. To prevent ingestion of the aspen I take out the water dish so the pray doesn't get wet by some over excitement and I put down a piece of paper towel just to make sure. I've had great success with humidity as well by keeping half the water dish over my UTH and having a partially covered top.