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Aspen Supreme

A

Aquilegia

Rodent Paradox
So I've been using Sani-Chips for my snakey substrate without issue as long as I've had her. My main complaint is that they do little to neutralize odor and make it difficult to see where the liquid part of a snake poo has gotten to... they're also a bit difficult to clean out, though of course one of the benefits of snakes as pets is the lack of frequent cleaning!

Anyway, I've just started using Aspen Supreme by Green Pet for my rats (I was using Carefresh and it's terrible about odour control, though they love to poo in it, so I've got it in their litter box now). I like the colour and the hard pellet form, and it smells nice (hopefully it'll still smell nice post-rat-pee!). Now, since this seems like a really good substrate, I was considering switching the snake over to it once I run out of Sani-Chips. I've seen people on here using it as a feeder colony bedding, but I've never heard of it being used as a snake substrate (though the company claims it's appropriate). I don't really see why not, as it's aspen... has anyone tried this? Can they burrow in it well enough? Thanks!

(On a side note, Hermes finally decided to eat after a three-month hunger strike, two tube feeds, antibiotics, and severe anxiety on my part! So cheers to a healthy snakey.)
 
I use aspen for Viper (my '03 male) and it seems to work really well, no odour problems, looks good and he loves tunneling through it when he's not in his hidebox (which he's been totally obsessed with since i put it in there.) I just moved him from his original home (a large tupperware tub used for storing rolls of wrapping paper) into a more natural looking vivarium setup in one of my old aquariums, and he hasn't come out of his hidebox yet, just poked his head out a couple times then shot back in. but that was just yesterday so I know it'll take him a few days to get used to the move:p
 
Normal aspen substrate is the chips, and so holds it's shape better - this allows the snake to burrow. With dense pellets, I'd imagine this would not be the case. I'd say aspen chips would be better, but that's just my opinion. The pellets should be ok.
 
I use the aspen supreme in my rodent cages but wouldn't recommend it for the snakes. It's a bit too hard too be suitable IMO.
Shredded aspen works well for me with corns and kings and I have no problem finding the "liquid" urates when cleaning. I never have an odor issue, but then again, my sinuses are shot! :grin01:
 
Aspen pellets are great for rodents because they are so absorbant. The problem with using them for snakes is that they are too absorbant. They will suck all moisture out of the air and make conditions to dry for a cornsnake which will bring on shedding problems. They can't really burrow in it either. It doesn't look comfortable but I have no idea if it's comfy to a snake or not. ;)
 
Alright, guess I won't be using it then. Now I've got the same question about corncob bedding, since my grandmother accidentally bought some when she was taking care of the ratties. It's not good for rats since it tends to dry them out, so I guess it again might cause shedding problems?
 
It can also cause impaction.
Particulate substrate like that is a no no for corns.

Just stick with the aspen :)
 
Aspen chips can be bought in mass amount for very cheap and you can also use it for your rats if you want.
 
Yes indeed.
I bought a GIGANTIC bag of Aspen at petco for $11 I use it for the snake and for my rats, and it takes me months to go through one bag, months and months.
 
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