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A question about substrate

C

Cecilia

New member
Right now I have astro-turf, which I plan on switching to something else as soon as I can. But I'm curious about something:

I know sand isn't recommended because they can ingest it while eating. But, I plan on feeding my snake outside of the cage so it doesn't see my hand as prey whenever I reach into the tank. Is this ok? And, if I do this, what is the chance that he/she could ingest sand, is it probably the same or less? I think it would be ok honestly, but I'm not an expert or anything so that's why I'm asking.

If not though, I plan on using cypress mulch or dirt (from my local pet store, not from Home Depot or something).
 
Aspen is the prefer choice around here but you can use others. Sand is a bad idea though.

In a feed bin/tub I have newspaper laying flat on the bottom. So you don't need a bedding there.

You can feed in the viv too. Some folk place the meal on a paper plate.
I like the feed tub though cause this make me handle the snake to check for issues and give me free range to the viv for cleaning.

You will get other members input too. LOL
 
I love the Aspen and so do my snakes. It is dust free, easy to clean and the snakes love to burrow in it. I feed in a 10 gallon feeding tank with paper towel on the floor of it and clean the viv's while they are eating. Works well for me. :)
 
Sand is hard on a corn snake's skin, apart from the risk of ingestion. Cypress mulch is fine, and easy to find. Just be sure there are no additives in the brand you buy, as some do include pesticides. Most don't, as cypress is naturally somewhat insect resistant, but it's a good idea to check.

Feeding outside the viv is the preferred option for most of us, in part for the reason you give. If food is consistently provided in another place, the snake isn't likely to try a feeding strike when s/he sees your hand reach into the viv - unless of course your hand smells like food. It also ensures that we keepers will handle the snake at least a minimum amount and check it over. It helps assure that we monitor its feeding behavior for any irregularities.

That said, I have fed inside the viv on several thicknesses of newspaper. I had surgery in January that prevented me from putting any weight at all on one leg for six weeks. The limited mobility made my snake chores more of a "chore" than usual. I'm happy to be back to feeding in separate containers - but there's one who apparently liked "dining in" and now prefers to eat in his viv on newspapers. :shrugs: They've got opinions, too!
 
I use Aspen for my Corn snake and Coconut husk for m BPs. Either work great, but my normal really stands out on the aspen and its easy to clean. The bps stand out real nice too, but i struggle to hold decent humidity for them with aspen but the coconut husk is working great for that atm.

I also feed all 3 of my snakes outside of their viv in a feeding tub.
 
sometimes i write really good responses to things, but then delete them for fear of them being too inappropriate :p

i don't and won't use sand, it's not comfortable for the snake. it can get stuck in between their scales, and they can't burrow under it.

but you've got some great suggestions so far! aspen is my favorite substrate to use for corns.
 
I used to feed outside the viv for the substrate ingestion concern -otherwise not worried about the association factor of it biting me biting when going to handle.

Now I just lay down a paper towel and put the thawed rodent at the far end away from where the snake is in the hide or hanging out. It will explore a bit, then eat it and retreat back into the warm hide when finished. Then I can change water and pull out the paper towel later. No substrate ingestion issue and I don't have to bother then snake to move it with a full belly. Works out well for everyone.
 
this discussion of substrate had me thinking and i cruised the net for a little bit...and now i'm planning on picking up a few of these for feeding. i'm getting tired of moving the snakes to a separate feeding bin, and some of them absolutely do prefer to eat inside their "regular" bin anyways. these mats would be more cost effective than paper towels, as well as friendlier for the environment. i assume wiping them off with a bleach solution would be okay, and the product page says they're dishwasher safe!

perhaps i'm really on to something?
 
I like the green aspect of this idea, but reality is 1 paper towel a week X 52 weeks is a pretty small investment compared to water and soap and energy to clean up an ($8.74 item + shipping) each time you feed.
 
For hatchlings id go with paper towels (easier to see if anything is Amiss)
For 6months or older, Aspen is the way to go. I dont feed in a seperate tub. what i do is line the cage floor with a few sheets of paper towel...Wiggling the prey item above the towels. So that when they eat...nothing gets on the mouse. And i didnt have to disturb the snake with all the moving around...wait 48hrs ..and then take them out for a "walk". Lots of exercise!! thats the key!
 
d0nk3y said:
I like the green aspect of this idea, but reality is 1 paper towel a week X 52 weeks is a pretty small investment compared to water and soap and energy to clean up an ($8.74 item + shipping) each time you feed.
Click to expand...

oops, i suppose i was just talking for myself :) when you have 35+ snakes and you can just do a quick wipedown (or just flip them over) of the mats between snakes (and then a big clean after feeding), it would be more cost-effective. i can't imagine you can use a single papertowel for more than one snake, as it would soak through and tear.
 
SquamishSerpents said:
this discussion of substrate had me thinking and i cruised the net for a little bit...and now i'm planning on picking up a few of these for feeding. i'm getting tired of moving the snakes to a separate feeding bin, and some of them absolutely do prefer to eat inside their "regular" bin anyways. these mats would be more cost effective than paper towels, as well as friendlier for the environment. i assume wiping them off with a bleach solution would be okay, and the product page says they're dishwasher safe!

perhaps i'm really on to something?
Click to expand...

WOW!!
Not a bad Idea..really...those are some sweet colors as well!! Nice & bright!
 
I only have 7 at the moment..with a clutch on the way :)!!
And i can see these "mats' as being a HUGE help! I think I might actually order some this weekend! I'm one of the few who prefer to feed in the viv/tub. It's kinda fun to realize that the snake realizes that when you put the paper towel down..it's chow time....i've never been bitten..not saying that wont happen...but 5 yrs running now...knock on wood i guess.
 
SquamishSerpents said:
this discussion of substrate had me thinking and i cruised the net for a little bit...and now i'm planning on picking up a few of these for feeding. i'm getting tired of moving the snakes to a separate feeding bin, and some of them absolutely do prefer to eat inside their "regular" bin anyways. these mats would be more cost effective than paper towels, as well as friendlier for the environment. i assume wiping them off with a bleach solution would be okay, and the product page says they're dishwasher safe!

perhaps i'm really on to something?
Click to expand...
That is a really good idea! I have been using paper plates in my bins. These would be even better, being washable & reusable.
I also noticed they have the 4-pack for $5.45, I wonder how many they have of those in stock.
 
I'll be sticking with newspapers on which to feed the beasties. No washing, no cost, no particles, no problems. I've got limited mobility and don't want to add to the washing-up chores. :)
 
nwheather said:
That is a really good idea! I have been using paper plates in my bins. These would be even better, being washable & reusable.
I also noticed they have the 4-pack for $5.45, I wonder how many they have of those in stock.
Click to expand...

LOL...you can't have them (evil Laugh) I'm buying them All!! :crazy02:

Just kidding.....
 
I use sani chips for their bedding in the racks, havent had a problem yet but i hear rumors about mold? when its feeding time i put them in a 32quart sterilite and put the mice in on the other side. Newspaper for that.

I always put moist moss somewhere and they seem to love it. I put it on the plastic lids for their water tubs so its not resting on the sani chips.
 
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