Substrate Question

[Aremus]

I know this has probably been discussed to death, but I cannot find a thread on it.

In doing research I've heard about the effects of pine and cedar shaving, but I haven't heard of anyone using a product like http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752642 in their cage. I used it when caring for my friends ball python a few years back. (Swaping between 2 pieces every 7 days, cleaning the cage every 14, washing each piece between usings)

Anyone found anything negative about using such a product?

 

[tricksterpup]

I know this has probably been discussed to death, but I cannot find a thread on it.

In doing research I've heard about the effects of pine and cedar shaving, but I haven't heard of anyone using a product like http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752642 in their cage. I used it when caring for my friends ball python a few years back. (Swaping between 2 pieces every 7 days, cleaning the cage every 14, washing each piece between usings)

Anyone found anything negative about using such a product?

I had snakes that hated it. So I use either newspaper or paper towels right now. But when I do any other substrate, I use aspen horse bedding from a co-op shop. Its far cheaper than buying the same stuff from petco for $15 or so when there its only $4 for a larger size bag.

 

[GillyMonster]

I have not heard anything bad about it,but my snakes love to borrow under and hide in the aspen.So aspen it is for my little but getting big guys and girls.

 

[Roy Munson]

I used it for corns years ago, and I hated it. I didn't use it for long. It was disgusting to clean (there ain't no spot-cleaning with that stuff), and the snakes would end up hanging out under it, on the bare glass of the viv. I like shredded aspen better than anything else I've used, but I use newspaper or paper towels for certain snakes. From what I've heard, a BP's crap is more solid than that of your average corn, so MAYBE you could get away with it for them. I'd never use it for corns again...

 

[Flagg]

I've heard its not good to use because its impossible to keep clean enough, and its a "breeding ground" for bacteria.

 

[starsevol]

I have used it in the past too...mostly with asian and 3 toed box turtles. That stuff is NASTY.

I mostly use newspaper now. It's cheap, easy to clean and the snakes like to hide between the sheets.

 

[Aremus]

Thanks a ton for the feed back, the bald pythons feces was usually pretty solid and not hard to clean so if corns are different that will be an issue. I'll probably start off with paper towels cut or placed to allow the snake to move under them, since it sounds like something they are likely to do. I'm going to be getting a hatchling and putting it in a 12X30 cage filled w/ hiding places already, so a thick layer of aspen would probably be a hide and seek nightmare.

 

[lunalowly]

I use this!

I have used this for over a year. My only objection is that it does shrink over time.

Luna hardly ever poops in her tank because she is out so much. I think that this is a good option if this is the case, because it is easy to keep her tank clean. If and when she does poop in her tank, I always clean it within a day since this type of bedding does encourage bacterial growth.

If you use this you just have to be aware to when the animal poops and to make sure and sanitize the "carpet" properly.

Overall I like it because at this point in my life I can't have a bag of shavings lying around in my already crowded apartment.