which substrate should I switch to?

[bigben2390]

I'm currently keeping my BP on aspen but I noticed a problem today when feeding. Whenever he takes the f/t mouse he likes to drag it around the tank for a coupe minutes before eating it. Sometimes pieces of aspen stick to the mouse and he swallows that too. I don't want him to get constipated . I was wondering what kind of substrate would be easier on his digestion while remaining aesthetically pleasing at the same time.


P.S. He refuses to eat outside of his tank.

[gmcclurelssu]

hmmm, you may be able to try something like eco-earth, but i have a feeling the same problem would happen... might be worth a shot tho

[FIEND_FO_LYFE]

u COULD use repti-bark...
because its larger pieces its less likely to stick to the food, but i dont reccomend anything other than aspin, or newspaper.

[kc261]

Hmmm. I haven't used either, but I think eco-earth would result in more, but at least smaller, pieces of stuck substrate. And repti-bark might not stick as much, but if/when it did get stuck on the prey and then eaten, then you have a big piece of wood in your snake.

Have you tried putting down a piece of paper towel or newspaper in the enclosure when it is feeding time?

[Freakie_frog]

Newspaper works great!

[bigben2390]

Have you tried putting down a piece of paper towel or newspaper in the enclosure when it is feeding time?

Great idea Casey. I will try that next week.

[Freakie_frog]

If you do this make sure you watch I have heard of animals snagging the paper towel and trying to swallow it.

[bigben2390]

If you do this make sure you watch I have heard of animals snagging the paper towel and trying to swallow it.

Thanks dude. I'll be sure to keep a close eye on him.

[lovetoy]

u COULD use repti-bark...
because its larger pieces its less likely to stick to the food, but i dont reccomend anything other than aspin, or newspaper.

Mine swallowed the repti-bark too, occasionally. Go with the newspaper if you are going to feed in the tank.

The best idea has always been to feed in a different space than the main habitat anyway. We use the bathtub, but those tupperware tubs are great too.

[Ginevive]

Newspaper is the way to go in my opinion. Have never had a snake swallow any while it fed in this house!