What is the problem with using sand as substrate? Is it because of the possible micro-organisms it may harbor? If so, then why not just sterilize it with a soil sterilizing machine wich heats it up to about 200F.? This is what comercial green houses use to eliminate pests and save money on soil. After all, I've been all over Indigo country, and ther is plenty of sand all through this region. Wouldn't they swallow a good share of it in there life time in the wild? I can't imagine this being a problem, but... that's why I'm consulting the mighty orb of wisdom first. O.K., fire away guys.
P.S. What is "yesterdays news" and "care fresh". Dr. Maas mentioned them in the ask the vet collum back at indigosnakes.com
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Sterilized sand as substrate?
thesnakeman
Feb 06, 2004 10:11 PM
Replies (2)
Doug T
Feb 07, 2004 12:21 AM
Here's an old reply from good Dr Maas.
"When it comes to sand, it's easy. Get "Play Sand". It's just washed beach or river sand, a little coarser but without the rough, sharp edges found in mason's sand (little more than crushed silica, and silica=glass). I'd wash it out in a bucket or large pan until it rinses clear, and let it soak with some ammonia in it for a day or so to just be sure. Then dry it and toss it in."
You probably could do the oven trick too. I don't know if that would be any easier than just using aspen or newspaper.
Carefresh is a product made from wood pulp. It's kind of pricey but some folks love it.
Doug T
DeanAlessandrini
Feb 08, 2004 11:36 AM
It's true that throughout indigo country they use sandy substrate, especially in the cooler months.
But...many wild indigos (especially in the cooler months again)
have skin infections.
Sand does harbor bacteria, and even if you sterilize it, the first time the snake defecates you have bacteria again.
Also...it can get between scales and cause irrittion.
Rob Carmichael is using a combination of sand and other organic materials with good luck.
You really need to stay on top of cleaning...and watch substrate ingestion too.
I've been using a combination of the paper products and peat moss and top soil with good luck.
The ground paper products are nice, but create very low humidity. The other items even it out....
