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Changing Substrate Question

BLKsteeda

BLKsteeda

Elmo & Molly's Daddy
I've been reading about different substrates and I am considering about changing out what I have in the cage. What I have in there now is something I got from the pet store that I think is called reptile litter (it has eucylaptus in it) and it's small beige shavings and I'm concerned about the snake injesting it. I've read on the boards and it seems that Aspen and Repti Bark seem to be the most popular. Are those two good choices to consider switching to and is one really better than the other? I'm leaning towards the Repti Bark because of the nice contrast that it will give with the snakes bright colors. Thanks
 
both reptibark and aspen are very good substrates. The repti-bark is a little more expensive compared to Aspen. Also, Aspen is easier to spot clean as it clumps around the droppings, where reptibark doesn't, and the droppings have a tendency to blend in with the bark. but, the decision is yours.
 
I have used repti bark in the past. I stopped using it for several reasons.
One, it seems to be fairly "dusty". Also, I noticed it was staining my hands so I figured, it must be staing the snakes as well. Also made me itch a little and didn't think it absorbed odors very well. I have all snakes on aspen now and I think it is the best choice all around. :cheers:
 
I too have used both ReptiBark and aspen. The only advantage I've found with the fir bark is that it holds humidity better than aspen shavings, and in northern climate winters looking for decent sheds, that matters.....during the winter, I mix in a little reptibark with aspen just for that purpose.

But if I lived in the Mouth of The Rat ;) , where humidity wouldn't be an issue (or perhaps where there's TOO MUCH humidity), I'd use aspen 24/7. In addition to the aforementioned spot cleaning advantages, corns like to burrow, and I've found fun lil' tunnel systems in my aspen beddings.

regards,
jazz
 
I have used the repti bark in the past as well and agree it is a little dusty. I havent tried aspen but it is most defiently the favorite on this site and that says alot. I am currently using the same product you are now. As long as your not feeding directly on the substrate you shouldnt have to worry about ingestion IMHO. But i am new to corn snakes myself. I am sure there will be alot of tips come in for you and the folks on here seem to be very knowdlegable on the Husbandry of Corns as well as many other corn related issuess.
 
as far as the injestion thing goes. When hathclings borrow, they may get some of the substrate in their mouths. That is why some people recoment keeping hatchlings on paper till they are about 3 or 4 months old
 
What I stated doesn't happen often, but I have heard of it happening. so I thought I would post it.
 
Ok, thanks for all the advice...but I know I'll probably be the one to change it...what is the best way to get all the bedding out and off the carpet?


-Elmo's Mommy
 
FlaStangBabe said:
Ok, thanks for all the advice...but I know I'll probably be the one to change it...what is the best way to get all the bedding out and off the carpet?


-Elmo's Mommy
Click to expand...

Uhh...vaccuum? :D
 
hahahahahahaha!

I used to have guinea pigs and when they were gone, I thought to myself "well I won't have to worry about having shavings on the floor all the time". *rolling eyes* :rofl:
 
What about Peat moss ?
I use Peat moss and on top of it some sterilised trea leafes.
It gives me great results with holding humidity, good guidence of the temperature and they love to dig in it.Cleaning is easy and dropings are spoted imidiatly.
Well, I see my snake happy and the results are good.

Any off you more experienced guy's have something to add?
 
...or scoop it up with your hands if the tank is too large to just dump it into a garbage bag. i use latex gloves whern spot cleaning, just cuz i'd rather not get the mess on my bare hands lol. although i do agree, aspen is the best substrate out there. i just switched over to it and am loving it. in the past i as well have used repti-bark and found it to be dusty and very smelly, and this aspen i use is by 'Sunthing Special' . it is dust free and odour free, try it out, im sure you'll be impressed!
 
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