Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been rereading some of the caresheets for the ball python and noticed none of them say anything about using coconut fiber as a substrate. The guy at the reptile store (specialty store) said that it was the prefered substrate because it takes a lot of water to let it mold. Any opinions on coconut fiber as a substrate would be appreciated. My very first snake (pastel ball python comes in on Tuesday!!! Can't wait!)

Brent

I use coconut in all of for all of my animals. It holds moisture very well making it easy to maintain humidity.

I use it with my Argentine Boas .I fill a large container with it, top it up with water and they go on it whenever they fancy a bit more humididty

Had no probs with mold yet .I was told it is because it is more acid.

*for all of my animals. We need an edit button in this forum.

This is a very good substrate IMO for ground-dwelling snakes from tropical, semi-tropical or temperate areas.

I used it extensively with kingsnakes, and kept it slightly moist. It would dry out fairly quickly, so mold never had a chance. I'd just remoisten when it dried. Never have seen it mold in my cages even in the most moist areas, like under waterbowls. Kept the snakes' skin tone very nice.

With BPs, I also had good luck keeping them on a dry substrate like aspen and giving them a soak when I thought they could use it. Use very shallow water so the snake can rest on the bottom and not be entirely covered with water. Not deep enough to float the snake in other words. This practice keeps the snake hydrated w/o needing a moist substrate. Better for wood cages.
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Mark

I use it for my snakes, and it works perfectly. Never molds, can retain a fair amount of moisture (but also dries quickly if not heavily soaked), and no real danger if your snake accidentally ingests small amounts of it. And coconut coir is significantly more environmentally friendly than cypress bark.

I use COIR for my blood python and eastern hognose snakes. I works well because it rehydrates quickly, but also will not mold easily. If you see mold, it is probably from your animal defecating on the substrate, and that matter will mold. The only down to COIR is that it stains. If it get in water dishes it will stain and it will be especially hard to get out if you have hard water. YEs I know you should change water daily. But with soo many snakes, I change it one every 4 days. Not letting it run out.
Nick