Substrate

[tlhsherry]

I am a newbie to snakes, although I have had a long time love affair with them, just recently was able to get my hubby into the idea after he started working at a tattoo parlor that has a beautiful Albino Burmese Python, so we decided on corns after much research.

I have done my reading, bought The Corn Snake Manual and have been reading all the posts, which have been very beneficial.

I have seen many pics of different types of substrate. I used newspapers, then paper towels, and settled on Apsen. (I don't feed in the viv).

My snakes, I now have 2, are almost always burrowed under the aspen, and makes it a challenge to find them when I want to get them. I take it this is normal.

I currently have them both in a long 30 gallon tank (again, I don't feed together either), with a heat mat in the middle, with 2 hides plus a hide on either of the cool sides. I also added 3 climbing plastic plants, which seem to be helping.

I know they are nocturnal by nature, but I enjoy watching them. Is there a better substrate to use? Or should I offer more hides?

Thanks!
Tiffany

 

[CowBoyWay]

Aspen is not real popular around here this week

Welcome to the Forums
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4836Check this thread may give you second thoughts about aspen
One should be aware of the pros and cons when choosing a substrate, I applaud you for taking the time to investigate the matter

The Under tank heater?/heat mat you may want to decide on one end or the other of the tank and be sure to check heat levels with a thermometer, if your not already, as many heat units run too hot without some kind of correction /adjustment.
Your good on the hides,
but what the heck,ya got plenty room, and they wouldn't mind it all, I betcha

Welcome once again tlhsherry!

 

[pinatamonkey]

Still gonna use aspen...

While it is sad what happened to Darin's snake, with the number of hatchling snakes of all kinds of species raised on aspen each year, I'm inclined to believe situations like Darin's are pretty much a freak occurance. I've used newspaper and papertowels in the past and can't stand them.

 

[caseysgramma]

My 2 cents

After using aspen for a year we made a switch just today. My son's adult Okeetee had not had a bowel movement in over a week, and I was growing concerned of a blockage. I switched her over to the reptile carpet to keep a better eye on her. She did finally have a hefty bowel movement this evening, and there was aspen in it. She doesn't eat on the substrate. My best guess is that she got it in her system while burrowing. Needless to say we won't be going back to aspen at our house.

 

[Alicia]

I agree with Pinatamonkey 100%. Darin and BMM's losses are tragic and I don't make light of those, I still think it is a safe substrate. Many people have used Aspen with no ill effects and the same can be said for Pine too (although I don't use it). Kathy Love uses Aspen and she keeps and raises many many animals each year

Newspaper and papertowels are also good choices and inexpensive. What ever works for you and your animal is the best choice

 

[UCSB Robert]

How about Butcher Paper or Body towels?

I know that newspaper and paper towels work well... how about body towels like in K-mart? How about Butcher Paper from schools and craft stores? I have rather large tanks for mine and am looking for an easier way to keep them extra clean.