Colubrid Substrate (Poll)

[PuffDragon]

Hey all,

I was wondering what substrate you prefer for your Colubrids. I am going to try Aspen chips or shavings for my first time around for my Rat Snake. Please take the poll and explain why you choose your answer!! Any info will help me alot!

 

[MMRR - jif]

I prefer to use a mixture of coco fiber, dirt, and a little sand covered with leaf litter. This affords the animal cover throughout the enclosure and is aesthetically natural and pleasing. My favorite snake, a rescued Everglades Rat snake, has done really well on this sort of substrate.

 

[shiftylarry]

Agreed. I posted other for the same reason. Leaf litter is an essential aspect of the cage set up and covers the environment these animals usually come from.

 

[CaseyUndead]

Paper towels!!! Not the prettiest thing ever, but it makes clean-up really easy.

 

[DZLife]

Well, my answer would change depending on what Colubrid we are talking about here.
In general, thuogh, I really like a bedding called "Desert Snow." It holds moisture in well when desired, it is very absorbant, soft (not abrasive to scales), and completely safe if ingested, although I always feed in a separate conatiner. It simply helps avoid easily avoided problems
Oh, and I always keep an extra backup bag around, as since it is soooo absorbant, it is very easy and safe to do spot cleaning. I do, however like to change the whole thing out about once a month.
Oh, and since it is white, it is very easy to spot any "mess" that your snake may make.
On another note, it doesn't have any dust or any scent.

I really think that it is one of the best beddings around in general right now.

It isn't expensive, but it isn't the cheapest option out there either.

 

[dicy]

i use difrent things usualy sum bark type but iv used sand to i know have them on cocos and bark mix its just whut i think is usefull at the moment plus nice looking since mine r display animals not rubbermaid captives

 

[Nero]

I like jungle bed, ecoearth, and coco fiber. I just think the aspen bedding is unattractive and sharp. I use to put my ball pythons on aspen. I was always pulling little pieces off them. A few times it was stuck near their labials

 

[Shannon]

My favorite snake, a rescued Everglades Rat snake, has done really well on this sort of substrate.

May I please see a pic of your everglades rat snake? We have what we think is an everglades rat snake, but from what I've heard they are rare. I think it was in the latest issue of Reptiles Magazine that they said there are a few key things to look for to tell if you actually have one. If I remember correctly, they were a yellow belly, black and red tongue, and something about the color in their scale pattern.

 

[Harveysherps]

Plain and simple Pine shavings. Best thing and one of the cheapest things.

 

[Nero]

Never seen a everglade rat snake for a pet. Those are very pretty snakes I think they are most just a solid orange color

 

[AB^]

Depends for me if the cage is a display or a rack type system.
Though I always favor naturalistic, it isnt always realistic to try to accomplish this with larger collections.

 

[MMRR - jif]

I can't located a photo of our ratsnake at the moment but it looks very similar to this one. It is easily one of my favorite snakes and originally came to us through the Michigan Humane Society after it's owner surrendered it.

 

[cornking4]

Shredded office paper works well for me. With four 12 square foot cages, buying substrates gets fricking expensive. Plus it is very absorbant and keeps the humidity at about 50%. Cal kings seem to do fine without moisture. I guess that's why god invented soaking in the water bowl...