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Looking to Switch Substrate

Jynx

Jynx

Digger, RN
So I've always been an aspen advocate. Its hard to find something that will keep moisture out here, yet still be attractive and functional, and aspen has worked the best for me. Like everyone else, I started off using aspen bedding made specifically for reptiles, which got pretty pricey. I then started to get bulk aspen delivered to me for a pretty decent price (about $20 for a jumbo bag), but I didn't like the cut of it. It seems too "slivery" if that makes sense. I'd try to keep it moist, but when it dried out I could see it being a bother to the snakes. So I stopped using that too.

Then, I figured out that it was waaaaaaaaaay cheaper to buy aspen bedding made for small animals. I could get the same sized bag as the bulk bags I was getting for about $10. I've been using Kaytee brand for years. Apparently people started to catch on, and the prices of Kaytee aspen have gone up enough to rival the retail prices of non-bulk reptile aspen.

So now, I'm looking for different options. I've heard of a lot of people that have used the CareFresh brand small animal bedding, but I am still a bit skeptical. However, if someone has used it and has had nothing but good experiences with it, then I'd like to know. Also, if anyone knows of a good bulk aspen supplier that they can suggest that has a good cut of aspen, then I'd also like to know about that as well.

Thanks in advance! :)
 
I don't know if you have a farm supplies store near you(like TSC or Quality) but that's where we buy our aspen from. It comes in a HUGE bag for $9. It's not the really fine shredded aspen(which I really hate. It seems to be too dusty)it's cut pretty large. I can't remember the brand that it is sine it's sitting out in my garage right now.
 
I tried (actually am STILL trying) CareFresh bedding two of my cal kings... and let me tell you...

I DON'T LIKE IT!!! It is very clumpy, not very aesthetically pleasing and does help to control odors at all - and I do keep the containers clean. It seems that if the snake so much as farts in there, it smells for weeks. LOL. As soon as I run out of this bag, I'm back to aspen for these kings.

I am also one of those using the Kaytee brand of aspen and I still like it. For my Florida King, though... I'm going to have to find something else... she hasn't had a decent shed on Aspen yet... and really fouls up any humid hide I put in there.
 
When I re-do my vivs, Id like to use something like that ReptiBark. I like the way it looks but in al honesty, my corns probably will not like it.

The aspen here stinks.

I used to get it in NY, and it was for gerbils.....I buy it now in Walmart and its TERRIBLE. Very thin and dusty cheap stuff.
 
I can get a giant 20lb bag of cypress mulch for about $7. I don't use it for the '08s, but it's great for the bigger snakes. It holds humidity much better than aspen does, and it's GREAT for boids.
 
RobbiesCornField said:
I can get a giant 20lb bag of cypress mulch for about $7. I don't use it for the '08s, but it's great for the bigger snakes. It holds humidity much better than aspen does, and it's GREAT for boids.
Click to expand...

Just out of curiosity, why not for the '08's?
 
jpccusa said:
Just out of curiosity, why not for the '08's?
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Too coarse for my tastes. The mulch has some rather large chunks in it, and the small snakes just seem to get lost in it. And for feeding reasons. Because I feed in their tank, I don't want them ingesting something that big and having a regurge/impaction/etc.
 
Well, I use cypress for the boas, balls, burms, and retics. I get big bags of cypress mulch at Lowes for really cheap. Its a pretty coarse though, so I'm a bit apprehensive to use it with the smaller guys. It does keep the humidity at a good level though, especially for the species that need it. If I could find a finer cut in bulk, then I'd be willing to use that. The aspen works well, but I have to mist pretty often.
 
You might want to see if there is a Sani-Chip distributor in your area. It's a 45 minute drive to my supplier but it's the nicest, most affordable aspen I've found. It's cut also makes it very easy to clean with a kitty box scooper and it's almost completey dust free.
 
I've actually looked into those before (through PJ Murphy) but the heat treatment they perform on the chips reduces the moisture content to 8%. For most people, this probably wouldn't be a problem but I don't think people really understand how dry it is out here lol! The dust free aspect is definitely a plus though. If I could get away with something like the SaniChips, but not have to spray them 3 times a week, then I would be in heaven.
 
If humidity is such an important factor, did you think about reducing the amount of ventilation you have? Usually reducing ventilation you increase humidity.
 
jpccusa said:
If humidity is such an important factor, did you think about reducing the amount of ventilation you have? Usually reducing ventilation you increase humidity.
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It also increases the amount of stagnant air inside and increases chances of mold.
 
kupo9 said:
It also increases the amount of stagnant air inside and increases chances of mold.
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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.
 
i've got mine on paper towels right now since i just put him in a new tank (got him in a 24x24x9) i know it should probably be higher but my petey doesn't really like climbing that much... he just likes sitting in his hide that i made him xD when he was in his 10gallon i had him on a really nice reptile carpet. i'm hesitant to make the move to anything other then carpet or papertowel cause of the cost. is aspen like the go to for corns or what?
 
I have used cypress, eco earth, newspaper, and aspen aspen is by far the best bedding for rat snakes
 
Aspen

Aspen isnt great for rat snakes,it has to much dust in it snakes have one lung so add that with inhaling mass dust into there lungs isnt good! They have a white snow looking substrate I have seen that looks pretty good but again that is also expensive,Superior sells shredded aspen by the bale and its the really good stuff I was buying mine, when I used aspen for 9 bucks a bale!
 
Well what I have found is aspen han have dust but wal mart is selling this dutless bedding now 1500 CUI for 3.38
 
stephen said:
Aspen isnt great for rat snakes,it has to much dust in it snakes have one lung so add that with inhaling mass dust into there lungs isnt good! They have a white snow looking substrate I have seen that looks pretty good but again that is also expensive,Superior sells shredded aspen by the bale and its the really good stuff I was buying mine, when I used aspen for 9 bucks a bale!
Click to expand...

I believe the stuff you're talking about is called either "Desert Snow" or "Diamond Soft".
 
jpccusa said:
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.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure stagnant air isn't good, not sure of the effects. As for the mold, I've had it from restricting ventilation, that is how it forms.

The Kaytee aspen brand I get from Petsmart is not dusty at all. It's a giant bale for $12.
 
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