Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay, what's everyone's opinion of using sand as a substrate? I realize that it won't keep humidity that well, but that problem has been taken care of (large water dish maintains high ambient humidity). What about impaction? Is that a big worry for large snakes? I usually use ceder chips, but I'm looking for an easy to clean change.

I have a 5ft female blood in a 48x28 enclosure (a retrofitted coffee table, actually. It's pretty awesome). Let me know everyone's opinion.

Also, if you have any better ideas for substrate, let me know. I don't want to use newspaper or carpet, but need something cheap enough to fill this big cage.

Thanks

Do not use cedar chips or any cedar products as it is toxic to reptiles. I would not use sand with a tropical python. Blood pythons do not live in sand and it can enter the mouth, nostrils and vent. Sand could become a mess. Bloods require high humidity and may need more than a large water dish. I use newspaper and mist my Vision cages for proper humidity. I know you stated that you don't want to use newspaper but that is easy to keep the cage and snake clean. If I was not using newspaper I would use cypress mulch and secondly orchid bark chips. Cypres mulch is very good but the problem today is finding pure, untreated cypress mulch. Most of it today is blended with other woods, including cedar, and treated with pesticides. Bill.
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.

Cedar is toxic.

Cypress mulch works.
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The New Redpython.net