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Potting soil as a substrate?

t3ch

t3ch

Desert Diamondback
I read somewhere that some people like to use potting soil as a substrate for bullsnakes. I have lots of them and am wondering if this would be ok? I've never heard of it until now, and can't find the source. I know not to use any kind of pine, etc. What about plain potting soil without wood chips or fertilizer? Perlite seems like it would be ok since it's just rocks.
 
A lot of "potting soil" has unwanted chemicals and organic matter that, although good for your plants, may not be good for your snake. Plus, it retains moisture and can grow things in it. Easily grow things. lol
 
Yeah, you have a point lol. I was looking for alternatives to newspaper for my bullsnakes. They love to burrow. I can't find any sand that isn't to loose for them to burrow in.

:(
 
I incubate eggs in organic soil. Zero pesticides/fertilizers. I don't see why you couldn't use it for an actual substrate (other then the fact that it's going to be harder to maintain). I would recommend baking the stuff before using it to kill any bugs that could have gotten in the bag. I actually microwave mine in batches as I need it, but if you're using it for a whole enclosure, the oven would probably be easier.
 
How about that cocnut husk brick stuff? You can control how moist you want it, and its good for burrowing.
 
I personally wouldn't go with perlite, as to me it seems quite sharp when I've handled it and may cause scraping to the snakes skin :shrugs:

You could start another thread in the general chit chat forum with something like "Bull snakes, suitable substrate?" Which might get other members who are keepers giving you more suggestions...just a thought :)
 
t3ch said:
I read somewhere that some people like to use potting soil as a substrate for bullsnakes. I have lots of them and am wondering if this would be ok? I've never heard of it until now, and can't find the source. I know not to use any kind of pine, etc. What about plain potting soil without wood chips or fertilizer? Perlite seems like it would be ok since it's just rocks.
Click to expand...

t3ch mentioned perlite in the first post :shrugs:
 
If you get shredded aspen instead of aspen chips they can make burrows that will stay.
 
Susielea said:
I personally wouldn't go with perlite, as to me it seems quite sharp when I've handled it and may cause scraping to the snakes skin :shrugs:

You could start another thread in the general chit chat forum with something like "Bull snakes, suitable substrate?" Which might get other members who are keepers giving you more suggestions...just a thought :)
Click to expand...


Hello Sue? Not to hijack, but it was brought up....

Why do breeders use perlite for eggs then? I would be concerned myself. I will be breeding next year, and haven't decided on substrate yet, that why I ask.
 
I'm not Sue, but...

Some breeders use perlite because it holds moisture very well and helps maintain humidity with minimal error. The hatchlings are on the perlite for a very short amount of time (or at least, should be) so risk of any damage should be nonexistent.
 
TripleMoonsExotic said:
I'm not Sue, but...

Some breeders use perlite because it holds moisture very well and helps maintain humidity with minimal error. The hatchlings are on the perlite for a very short amount of time (or at least, should be) so risk of any damage should be nonexistent.
Click to expand...


Thanks!
I think Ill go with moss. lol
 
TripleMoonsExotic said:
I'm not Sue, but...

Some breeders use perlite because it holds moisture very well and helps maintain humidity with minimal error. The hatchlings are on the perlite for a very short amount of time (or at least, should be) so risk of any damage should be nonexistent.
Click to expand...

I agree :), but my preference is vermiculite, medium to large grains, not the fine stuff, as that can get too water logged.
 
Why not just go with repti-bark? My baby corn snake loves to burrow in it and it gives a really natural look to the vivarium :0) Also it holds the moisture when I spray their tanks when their getting ready to shed..Just a thought..

As for the breeding aspen..when I start breeding I'm probably gonna go with vermiulite myself..
 
The neat thing about perilite (for incubators) is that it is inorganic and sterile. It is also bulky enough to allow plenty of air movement through out. With moss and bark and such you will be more likely to get mold and fungus or get packed down and sufficate the eggs.

Remember, cornsnakes don't need a wet or moist environment. Your home is 40 or 50% humidity and that is great for a corn. If you have a water bowl big enough for the snake to soak in, he will use it as needed and you don't need to worry about moist substrate or misting. You will cause more problems with water than you will solve.
 
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