Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 10 year old MBK. Ive kept him in a simple aspen shaving substrate for a long time. Recently I moved into a newer house with more space and I want to move him into the living room so guests can enjoy him as much as I do.

So to the point, I want to set up a more "natural" looking set up for him. I'd like to a nice desert like setup. What do you guys recommend? I know the lil guy doesn't really care as long as he has his good hide spot, a nice warm enviorment, and something he can dig through. Safety for him is most important of course.

Thanks a bunch

Coconut fiber
It looks good, and they love to dig through it.
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3.6 L. getula californiae
1.1 L. getula nigrita
1.0 Pantherophis guttatus guttatus
1.0 Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi
1.0 Boa constrictor constrictor (suriname, fostering/rescue)
3.3 Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata

If you're going for a desert look, I would suggest using the crushed walnut shells. This stuff clumps when wet, making it much easier to maintain than sand. It doesn't harm the snake if swallowed. Personally, the only problem I've had with it is that it gets stuck around my Cal king's eye scales on occasion. He wasn't harmed at all. I just got tired of having to remove the wedged pieces. Otherwise, there have been no problems.

That is a spectacular shot!
Nice snake too.
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3.6 L. getula californiae
1.1 L. getula nigrita
1.0 Pantherophis guttatus guttatus
1.0 Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi
1.0 Boa constrictor constrictor (suriname, fostering/rescue)
3.3 Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata

Have you had any experience with the "Sand" products like calcisand?

I haven't tried any of the sand products as I've heard it can lead to the snake becoming impacted. I've seen some nice setups that use large particle sand (aka very small gravel).

Check out this thread: http://forums.kingsnake.com/viewarch.php?id=1242662,1242941&key=2007

It has some nice pics of setups with sand.

too bad you can't use the substrate like in that pic..

I've tried the Calci sand products, and while the snakes did just fine on them (just don't feed directly on it and your snake will be fine), the sand does stick to everything.

If you want sand-like substrate, I prefer the small aquarium gravel like Bluerosy stated and also that sand-blasting sand that is course and rounded. Otherwise, the coconut husk products are really effective and safe.
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Mark

I would not reccomend sand like calci sand or one of the other colored sand products avliable in pet supply stores. Sand will stick to the snake and cause a mess in the cage. If you want a nice appearance I would reccomend brown gravel avaliable at most fish stores.

In the 60's and 70's this is what most herpers kept their snakes on. Makes for an attractive natural look and easy maintenance.
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I don't need no spell chack.

Do you think he will be able to burrow through the gravel? He's a 4 and half footer and pretty strong. He absolutely looves burrowing (not surprising) and I'd hate to take that away from em.

Haven't used it but "Excavator" by zoo-med looks pretty nice. Supposed to be able to burrow in it and not have them collapse.
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.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1. Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Chunk" (Goonies)
.1 Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Peaches"
.1 MO Locale Black Ratsnake "Molly" (Flogging Molly)

"Have you ever tried simply turning off the T.V., sitting down with your kids... and hitting them?"