Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering what substrates people are using with their carpets. I am currently using cypress mulch but I got a bag and it was full of ants, I had it in my snake room and they were all over before I realized it so I am thinking of trying a different substrate. Anyone using aspen shavings? Thanks for any and all input.

Larry

I have always preferred a sterile potting soil. It creates good levels of humidity and absorbs stinky poop smells. Oh yeah its also nice for planting live plants which which falls in line with a naturalistic vivarium which I think is the best habitat for Jungles. Plus it looks cool!

I have never had a problem with either one. Paper is usually free so my choice with cages and large rack tubs.. When I have a lot of hatchlings I do prefer aspen as I tire of folding paper to fit in the shoe/sweater boxes.
Notah

>>I was wondering what substrates people are using with their carpets. I am currently using cypress mulch but I got a bag and it was full of ants, I had it in my snake room and they were all over before I realized it so I am thinking of trying a different substrate. Anyone using aspen shavings? Thanks for any and all input.
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>>Larry

I thought the post read the best substrate? Newspaper is fine and aspen is fine if you have rodents and your still using husbandry practices from the 80s! I can see a large scale breeder using minimalistic substrates for health and cleanliness, but how boring for a hobbyist, not mention the low level of life enrichment for the snake! Just a thought...

I should have been more specific, I have my snakes in rack systems and am looking for the best substrate to replace the cypress mulch so after I get rid of ants I don't bring them back in again. I really like the setup you have with the potting soil. My only concern with newspaper is that I worked at a paper branch and the day after I work I would have black snot from the ink and paper lint each time I blew my nose, could this pose a problem with reptile that spend their whole life on newspaper?

This is one of many habitats I constructed specifically for this Jungle. As it grew I increased the habitat size with same theme for all: soil, live plants, natural woods, and many hide spots. Just wanted to share how much fun it was designing, constructing and then observing how curiuos and seeking Jungle Carpets are.

hey that is a nice set up my and my bro are building a custom cage 7 ft long x 3-4 ft deep x 3 ft high

Congrats on that set up. I have tried the plants idea, but all the snakes I have tried it with have destroyed it. The kingsnakes dig them up and pile dirt here and there and the pythons just lay on top and crush the plants. I am impressed you have had luck with it. Keep it up! Looks nice.

Matt

If you're using a rack system, how many snakes are you keeping? I find the best substrate to be paper kitty litter. It is recycled paper, moulded into little 1 inch cylendars with about a 4mm diameter. It is completely digestible and doesn't release any colour (as far as ink is concerned). It is easy to clean, as it is so cheap you can just scoop up the mess along with the paper and put it in the garden (it breaks down with the rain and is absorbed back into the environment). You can find it at your local supermarket.

I find using soil leads to higher upkeep, and, if you're not careful, becomes dirty very quickly, causing fungal growths and respiratory infection.

Using the kitty litter eliminates just about all health risks associated with substrates. Some woods will release phenols and other chemicals.

So, make your choice... what is more important to you... the health of your animals, or how good your displays look?

Also, i feel the need to add a disclaimer to the bottom of all posts these days: I am in no way intending to offend, upset or emotionally injure anybody that may read this. Please do not reply with malice. Oh, and, have a nice day.