I want to switch to aspen, but...

[Peter Williams]

For a long time now I've been using unprinted newspaper. Lately with all my new additions this year, I've been getting sick of changing the paper so frequently. Everyday a new tub is fogged up and the paper is soaked. Either a tipped water bowl (only a few can actually tip the bowl), or theres feces and urates everywhere and my snake has been sitting in this soaking wet tub all night. So I've decided I want to switch to aspen bedding so I can just spot clean everyday as apposed to disturbing the snake and changing the paper so frequently. My only concern is with feeding. When I thaw my rodents, I dump them straight into the hot water, so obviously, they get soaking wet. I know the substrate will stick to the wet rodent, and I can't see that being good for the snake. The aspen I plan on using is of the "Kaytee" brand and its very thin shavings. Can ball pythons digest this? Is it harmful? I mean, they can digest bone and teeth, why not the shavings? Can anyone shed any light on this for me?

[Freakie_frog]

I use that Kaytee stuff my self for hatchlings and babys and have never had a problem. Of course I feed live and Pk.

[Peter Williams]

I use that Kaytee stuff my self for hatchlings and babys and have never had a problem. Of course I feed live and Pk.

Have you ever had one consume any of the substrate with a prey item?

[Freakie_frog]

Have you ever had one consume any of the substrate with a prey item?

Yes I've had them pick up a piece or two for time to time nothing big.

[Jenn]

You could hit the mouse with a hair dryer for a few seconds before dropping it in. I use aspen and have had no problems but I feed live.

[JenH]

I put my f/t in ziplock bags, so they are not soaking wet. I also will push all the aspen to the sides and clear out a little space in the tub for them to eat. I have had to pull aspen pieces from the mouths of a couple and I've had a couple mouth their prey so much they get all slimy and covered in aspen. I have actually washed off the rats, dried them and rewarmed with the hairdryer....

[flyingtigress]

I use aspen, feed f/t, and thaw in hot water as well. I take out her cage furniture, lay down paper towel and let her feed on that. I can usually "scoot" her back to the aspen and put her furniture back without disturbing her too much. This works for me, and I have no worries about her ingesting the aspen, but may not work for you with your huge collection.

[Somed00d]

I have not had any issues with them digesting the aspen. I use nepco shredded aspen. The odd piece gets stuck to the roof of the mouth but they work it out no problems.

[starmom]

Have you tried simply allowing the prey to thaw on the counter (or by the tub) through the day?

Also, the snakes will still pee just as much; you will only not notice it so much. I bet they still will

[Peter Williams]

Have you tried simply allowing the prey to thaw on the counter (or by the tub) through the day?

Also, the snakes will still pee just as much; you will only not notice it so much. I bet they still will

The problem I find with leaving the rats out to thaw is, I have 35 snakes to feed, chances are a few of them are going to refuse. If I've already got the rats thawed out, and some refused, I've got some wasted rats. I've been there and done that, and it wasn't my thing.

And of course the snakes will pee just as much, difference is, they won't have to sit in it all night.