Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everybody!

I'm a curious beginner who is in the knowledge gathering phase at the moment. I haven't gotten a snake yet but from what I see I like Kingsnakes and Milksnakes the best so far. I'm most likely going to get a Vision cage (211 probably). I'm going to be using a heat pad to create the heat gradient needed. The one area where I get stumped on is the substrate I'm going to use. I heard so many pro's and con's for every substrate out there. I would like to hear what you are all using and your experience with it. Also, if you have a substrate that you suggest I stay away from entirely, I would love to know that as well. Thanks everybody!

-Willow Raevynwood

i've been using the aspen wood shavings for aslong as i've had my king's and milk's, i've had good luck with it

I use Aspen and have never had any problems. Newpaper is also excellent, though not as visually appealing. Both are excellent choices. I've also used forest bedding with no problems, but tends to be a bit messy and harder to spot waste for cleanup.
Cedar you want to avoid, which had a strong aroma. Take care,

Steve

There is a cat litter called yesterdays news by purina that is made from recycled newspaper into pellets. It comes in scented and unscented so I'd suggest only trying the unscented. It looks nice, is easy to spot clean, absorbs well and its about $10 for a big bag. I take my snakes out to feed so they can't eat any of the pellets. I havn't noticed any behavioral changes since I started useing it and my snakes are in glass aquariums so they would notice. if anyone has had experiance using this please comment.
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My greybands:
Prince Mandrake and Princess Caldera

I started out with the wood chips, the snake (cal-king-5050)
Seemed unhappy, so i spoke with few folks and went with white
"Calcisand" PERFECT! The snake is out and about at least 75% more! Borrows and plays -and the visual effect is amazing! But
The sand cost too much about ten bucks a bag, you need two bags
Per ten gallons -i could go on and on about how sand is better
But that's my opinion, first 30 day's go with paper as many books will suggest, you seem like a smart person! You will work it out just fine, but i will only keep my kings and milks on sand, Good Day!
Wiebelhaus

Thanks to all of you that responded so far. Your opinions and suggestions will help greatly. Thank you so much!

-Willow Raevynwood