Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

First of all, if this message looks familiar, I apologize -- being an apparently illiterate newbie, I didn't realize there was a whole separate forum for milk snakes and I posted this message elsewhere at first...

Anyway, I just purchased an albino Nelson's milk snake, which is my first venture into keeping colubrids (I've been a boid girl till now...). I know that sand is generally avoided with the pythons and boas, but what about for milk snakes? Right now, he's just a wee hatchling and I'm keeping him in a small tank on paper towels, but I want to get everything squared away before I move him into his permanent home. My "final plan" for the tank incorporates a somewhat natural habitat, so I don't really want to just use newspapers or other paper substrates. At this point, I've read so many contradictory accounts concerning sand and soil substrates -- I would really just like some sound advice on the appropriate substrate to use. Thanks!

-- Holly
Miami, FL

Hi Holly,

Any time you use a partical type of substrate like sand you risk health consequences, as the animal could ingest or inhale particles of substrate, which could case problems. Sand is generally not considered an appropriate medium for ANY type of snake - including sand boas.

Your best bet would probably be shredded aspen bedding. You should still feed your snake in a separate enclosure, to insure that it doesn't accidentally eat any bedding.

Tim

Third Eye

I would stay away from sand and soil. Especially soil. Depending on where the soil comes from it can contain parasites or other pests. If either sand or soil is ingested, it can be harmful. Both can be quite dusty if kept dry, but usually will stay moist, which is also harmful. I would use something like aspen shavings, but if you want something more aesthetically pleasing, then some bark chips are o.k. Just buy a high quality brand from a reptile conscious business. Be careful though, that stuff can really do a number on the wallet. In this regard, I just stick to paper towels, and use aspen for the more secretive ssp. Always feed your snake outside of the cage if any substrate besides paper is used, or you can sometimes lay a piece of paper in the cage and place the food items on top. Just be careful. Hope this helps.-Brett