Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know newspaper is the best substrait, but I'm looking for something I can scoop thats safe for the snake.I'm thinking about using lizard litter,has anyone else tried it ?

Ironically, I have found rabbit or guinea pig pelleted food to be a pretty good substrate for most of my reptiles. The catch is that you have to be religious about cleaning any soiled or wet areas.

I have heard that if you aren't religious about cleaning it that mold spores can cause respiratory infections from the soiled or wet areas; is that true?

(just wondering because I am also looking at substrate. I have found some interesting things. I really like the brown/tan astroturf. It's nice; you take it in your back yard and rinse it off with the hose. Sounds too easy.)

the brown carpet is nice untill the snake starts hiding under it

You could try a variety of things:

Aspen bedding: Easy to clean, affordable (small and bulk), minimal dust, doesn't hurt if some is indigested (maybe a coincidence but a rosy boa I had swallowed some with her food. The next day she threw up and about a week later she died). Overall probably one of the best substrates around (in my opinion).

DO NOT use pine or cedar wood bedding, it causes respiratory infections in reptiles.

Dirt, sand or soil works fine and I think is enjoyable for the animals (it's like home). Some is bad for lizards (stirs up dust causing repiratory problems; i.e. bearded dragons). Make sure when you feed, you feed on a plate, a big rock in the tank, or remove the snake from the cage. It can also bring uninvited guests (parasites) into the tank so be careful. I use sand in almost all of my tanks. No parasites. No digestion problems. You get the idea.

Rabbit pellets should work fine, however, they have a weird odor and, if soiled or wet or humid, mold starts to grow (from the alfalfa) the spores can cause respiratory infections.

Astroturf is great for displays. It's easy to clean, and for the most part, snakes stay on top if you have something in the tank to hold it down; a rock/log hide and water dish on opposite sides.

Bark is another way to go. At your local hardware store, huge bags go for under $5.00. Cheap and easy. Looks funny with some snakes, but if looks aren't a problem, this is another recommended substrate. Watch out for parasites though.

If you go to a bird store, corncob is a wonderful bedding. I haven't tried it, but I've heard from people that use it that it works great. I'm not sure how expensive it can be. You might want to check it out.

If you go to Petsmart or Petco, there have green bags filles with gray substrate. I forgot what it's called, but they use it for rats.

Cotton sheets will work too. It's not too popular, but you just throw it in the washer and it's clean. Snakes like to hide under it though.

Moss might work fine but it drives me crazy. It reminds me of the amphibians my brother keeps. A big no on my list. Snakes all the way man! j/k.

For now that is all I can think of. If I come across more I will let you know.