Looking to Switch Substrate

[RobbiesCornField]

What is the problem w/ stagnant air?

There will be no mold if the humidity is not high enough.

Please note I'm not suggesting to have a closed off ventilation. I'm just suggesting to reduce it.

Go get one of those big tubs from WalMart or something and climb in. Have someone seal it. Sit in there for about 15-20 minutes, and see how easy it is to breathe. THAT'S what's wrong with stagnant air. Not to mention, stagnant air also harbors more bacteria, and can increase your chances for a respiratory infection.

 

[Jynx]

Ha! Robbie you crack me up :grin01:

I have all of my snakes housed in a sterilite bin rack. I can't get away with less ventilation or else there will be virtually no air exchange. I'd rather not use bigger water dishes because then I'd have to buy like 40 more, and the ones that I have now work well. With my higher temp/humidity animals, I just move the water dish above the heat and it helps to bump the humidity up if I see them looking excessivly dry or in shed, but sometimes its just a bit too effective. Plus, my corns, rats, kings, and milks do not have an alternative heat source in their rack. Their rack is thermoregulated by ambient temps alone.

Stephen, the bulk aspen I was getting was from Superior and it was the thin sliver cut that I hate. I don't want to deviate from the aspen since its worked so well for me, but I need to find a better distributor. Most aspen is very dusty, and I just don't trust the likes of Walmart for quality substrate. Who knows what the heck is in that stuff. If I can't find anything better or cheaper, then I'll just continue to use the Kaytee brand. Its been so far the best, but I wouldn't mind saving a buck or 2.

 

[eight]

Whatever you do, just Dont Use Cel Sorb Plus

 

[Jessicat]

I too felt the burden of aspen prices, and although I love using it, I wanted another option. I went to a local animal supply and feed shop and decided to test out the only option they had there.

To my surprise, it's worked pretty well! I've been using Eco pine wood pellets, which are compressed wood. It's marketed as bedding for livestock animals like horses. If I had to buy enough to fill a stall I might be in trouble, but for the snakes it works great. The nicest thing about the compressed wood is that it expands when it gets wet. This is awesome because the substrate completely absorbs the water, and once it is one expanding it dries out again. It doesn't seem to get too dry though. If you leave the lids on your tubs it will not dry out completely.

I bought two decent sized bags of this stuff for around $6 or so, I can't remember exactly, it's lasted me pretty long. It's about time to restock. I'll check the prices for you and perhaps get you a good name brand if you're interested.

This isn't a great picture, it was taken after I pulled up the paper towels I lay the substrate on to find this guy, but it shows what the pellets look like before and after they've expanded.

Oh, I've been using Timothy Hay as well for awhile. I bought it with the idea of starting a rodent colony but went back on my plans. I decided not to waste the Hay and I've been using it with my snakes until the bag runs out. They seem to like burrowing in it. I probably won't buy another bag though, I'm unsure if the Hay will cause dust and respiration problems after long term use.

I hope that helped! I prefer the look of aspen to the compressed wood, but at this point price has me won over the aspen!

 

[kupo9]

Eco pine wood? I thought you had to avoid pine and cedar at all costs.