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Best type of bedding?

SnakeDipperSnipper

SnakeDipperSnipper

Dipper Pines is a snake
So since we got Snipper we've been using newspaper (thats what they were using)

I was just wondering if there was anythign better or if newspapers fine?
 
newspaper is fine.

I use Reptile Carpet.

Most people use shredded Aspen.

Some people use Repti-Bark or shredded paper.

Don't ever use Cedar or Pine shavings. It's toxic to snakes.
 
I really like aspen, easy to clean, not dusty, allows my snake to burrow which he seems to enjoy


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I use Aspen because it is easily accessible (I prefer ZooMed brand because it is finely shredded), quick to spot clean and holds tunnels (which my snake loves).
 
I use paper towels because I keep my snakes in a rack system and it just made more sense. Plus, I like that I can see anything they leave behind (poop, urates, regurges, etc) without having to dig it out or pick bedding off it.
A lot of people use Aspen (shredded or flakes), Sanichips, Reptile carpet, carpet fresh, or coconut bark. If you choose to use a substrate, consider feeding outside the viv as the snake *might* ingest the materials (Aspen, sanichips, carpet fresh, bark). I've heard sanichips don't hurt them, but don't know first hand. Aspen and bark can cause impactions. I honestly don't know that I've heard of anything one way or the other with carefresh. Obviously they can't exactly ingest the reptile carpet...
The people who use substrates either use the burrowing reason for using it or the fact that it's easier to spot clean (you can just pick up the clumps kind of like cat litter).
 
I use shredded Aspen with my corn which I feed out of the viv and paper towels with my Afircan house snake that I feed in viv (care and temprament similar to corns except for 90 F on the warm side and slightly higher humidity).

Both of those substrates work well and serve their purpose for me. Aspen is very spot cleanable and I only need to do a complete change every 3 to 4 months at this point. I find myself switching out all paper towels every week or so, but they are really easy to change. Neither substrate catches all the poop, but since my AHS tends to poop on the edges of the paper towels I do more glass cleaning in that viv. Still very quick and and easy.

The only thing I don't like about them is that the paper towels are white, but I do have a lot of greenery and hides in the viv so it looks pretty homey. Hoping to find some reasonably priced unbleached non commercial roll paper towels someday. Non commercial roll towels are softer than unbleached paper towels in the commercial arena which is why I want them.

I definitely prefer to layer enough of whatever substrate to make a cushion over the hard glass. Snakes will climb and sometimes drop so a cushioning substrate is a good thing. I've heard more than one thud in the night in my vivs as my snakes explore.

Substrate is also important in providing a heat gradient and that part of it needs to be considered as well, especially when using a UTH. With corns humidity is not usually much of a problem but the choice of substrate can also greatly affect humidity.

I'd suggest trying different things on the "safe to use shortlist" and stick with what works best for you and your snake.
 
Also, don't feed outside the viv regardless of what substrate you use. I've never had a problem of my corn ingesting aspen, he strike feeds so it hardly touches he ground. If it's something you're worried about, lay a piece of cardboard or paper towels down. Long as the mouse isn't soaking wet, it won't be a problem [emoji4]


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I use cypress since it can hold moisture which helps during the shedding process, while also allowing tunneling and easy spot cleaning. I know about shed boxes but prefer raising the total humidity of the tank for that period.
 
As many others have said, aspen is best. Corn snakes love to burrow. Just make sure to prevent the substrate from getting in the mouth
 
Thanks everyone for the opinions!
I've decided to try aspen and he loves burrowing in it. We were already feeding him outside the tank so it won't be that big a chance. Thanks all~
 
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