Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Up until now I have been using newspaper as bedding but someone told me to try sandi chips. I feed my snakes f/t so they're wet when i feed them and they get some of it in thier mouths. Is this harmful? I was wondering what is the best bedding to use was? I don't like using paper because it makes a big mess and I keep alot of elapids so they're constantly defecating. Should I just deal with the paper and the mess?

Thanks alot,
Blaze

Blaze,

While I don't use Sani-Chips I know other breeders/keepers who do.
I use newspaper on some cages and cypress mulch on others.
Cypress mulch is easy to "scoop" or "spot" clean.

I usually thaw out rodents in water however, when feeding on newspaper there is no worry about "contamination".

Also, you might consider hooking your animals out and placing them into a large plastic trash can and feeding them in there while you clean your cage out. Works for me. Plus, I get less of an aggressive "feeding" response when I access their enclosure, (by hooking them into a can).

Randal Berry

Randal mentioned a good protocol in using a garbage can (we'll put a clear lid to allow for us to see into it - it's covered during feeding to give the snake privacy). Elapids do defecate frequently but I personally like newspaper as it forces me to stay on top of keeping their cages spotless. Sani Chips are pretty good but their real small size and light in weight sometimes stick in areas where you don't want (gum lines, nostrils, cloaca, hemipenes, etc.). I prefer Aspen bedding (when I'm not using paper) and have rarely had any problems with that. You might try that. I will sometimes provide a high humid retreat depending on what species you are working with (sterilite box with 3-4" of slightly dampened spaghnum moss).

If you are exhibiting your cobra, we have had good success with using a combination of torpedo sand/beach sand/top soil and a little peat (60% sand, 30% top soil, 10% peat). This looks nice and makes spot cleaning very easy via a long scoop. Our King Cobra exhibit is primarily leaf mulch, top soil, a little sand and a thick layer of dead leaves....once again, cleaning is very easy via a long scoop or gentle giant tongs.

Hope this helps. Rob

>>Blaze,
>>
>>While I don't use Sani-Chips I know other breeders/keepers who do.
>>I use newspaper on some cages and cypress mulch on others.
>>Cypress mulch is easy to "scoop" or "spot" clean.
>>
>>I usually thaw out rodents in water however, when feeding on newspaper there is no worry about "contamination".
>>
>>Also, you might consider hooking your animals out and placing them into a large plastic trash can and feeding them in there while you clean your cage out. Works for me. Plus, I get less of an aggressive "feeding" response when I access their enclosure, (by hooking them into a can).
>>
>>Randal Berry
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Thanks alot guys. I really appreciate the advice!!

I personally like to use brown "builder's paper" for most of my cages. It's a bit more absorbent than newspaper and looks a lot better (if you care). You can find it in 140' (usually) rolls in the paint department of most major hardware stores. The rolls even happen to be just the right width for a 36" neodesha.

Hint: If you go this way, a sharp pocket knife is much faster than a pair of scisors...
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What goes up must come down...unless it exceeds escape velocity.

Thats a cool tip Larry.
Gotta try that!

Randal

I did try the precut liners made out of that brown paper. Those weren't too bad.

Blaze,

I’ve recently been using shredded newspaper for one of my cobras, a Naja pallida. He seems to really enjoy it. It holds tunnels well, is cheap, and the greater surface area allows for better absorption of feces versus sheets of newspaper. It is a little more work to spot clean, but worth it to me if the animal enjoys it. I also like Aspen, but happen to be out of it.

I also thaw my feeders in water. Usually a good shake and once over with a paper towel dries the feeder off enough to keep most/all of the bedding from sticking to the food item.

- Evan

Aspen or cypress mulch is probably the way I will go. I also heard that care freash was pretty good. Has anyone used that and how did it work out for you?

Thanks alot for all the replies,
Blaze

I’ve used Carefresh bedding with other snakes with good results. The only downside I’ve found is its cost. I’ve used cypress and aspen before with a Naja kaouthia and I was much happier with aspen. Good luck with whatever you use.

- Evan

I use all three with good results. Carefresh is expensive but is easy to spot clean. I use Cypress for animals that need more humidity or are in large cages.
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Tim Cole
www.Designeratrox.com/
www.AustinReptileService.net
www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<
Conservation through Education

I use newspaper with females that are about to lay eggs. Of course they also have a laying box with moist Sphagnum moss.

My hatchlings have paper towels in 6" delicups or shoe boxes.

My adult snakes use the Cypress Mulch Blend from Lowes. No problems with it at all.

I place paper towels on an upside down rubbermaid lid, and lay out the frozen rodents on the paper towels. Then I slide the "tray" into a pillow case, and tuck the open end under the tray to keep sealed closed. I place the tray on a table in the snakeroom and they are thawed some 10 hours later, and not very wet. They aren't rotted at all if anyone is worried about that. I've been doing this for many years, with absolutely no problems.