Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey, i've been using cypress multch for the longest time with my black pines. it works well, but i was thinking of switching to a sand substrate. i dont want to use playsand cause it is so dusty and the edges tend to be sharp. does anyone have any suggestions of which varieties of sand work the best? thanks ~Adam

Sand is very heavy, particularly if you plan to use a sufficient amount for the snake to burrow in.It is also difficult to keep sanitary any worthwhile amount of time. I suggest you look up Mr. Duran's black pine page at KS.com and try simulate some of the microhabitat he has identified with lodingi, such as tree stumps (~ cork bark partially buried in substrate, for example).
I have used aspen as substrate with good success, rubbermaid sweaterboxes to simualte dens/under tree stumps, and PVC pipe to simulate burrows. All work well and is easily disposed of/composted or easily cleaned.
good luck,
daveB

Sand will retain too much moisture and is very difficult to keep clean. It will also get everywhere inside the cage as well as outside. Pine snakes are unable to burrow in sand. Aspen has worked great for me.

Tim

Third Eye