Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is a good natural looking substrate I could use for a sidewinder? I was thinking silica or play sand would work but am looking for some options. thanks Ron
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The Crawl Space

Hi:

I use ESU Reptile Desert Blend Lizard Litter. It's a sand substitute developed for desert-dwelling reptiles. Made from ground English walnut shells, it is harmless if ingested and will easily pass through the reptile's digestive system. It is non-toxic, less abrasive and dust free.

Here's one of my Bitis caldalus on that substrate.

Al

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"Snakes in Peru are not there for decoration, they really bite people."

Professor David Warrell, Omaha 10/21/05

We use that stuff too and it looks real nice....we use it primarily in our off display area but for most purposes, could be used for a nice looking exhibit. For our public exhibit, we go with something just a tad bit more "natural": combination of beach sand and torpedo sand (looks like sandy pea gravel) with just a little top soil mixed in....looks real nice and the 'winders can submerge a bit when they want to. Add a few weathered pieces of driftwood and a few flat rocks and you've got a great looking display.

>>Hi:
>>
>>I use ESU Reptile Desert Blend Lizard Litter. It's a sand substitute developed for desert-dwelling reptiles. Made from ground English walnut shells, it is harmless if ingested and will easily pass through the reptile's digestive system. It is non-toxic, less abrasive and dust free.
>>
>>Here's one of my Bitis caldalus on that substrate.
>>
>>Al
>>
>>
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>>"Snakes in Peru are not there for decoration, they really bite people."
>>
>>Professor David Warrell, Omaha 10/21/05
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

I recently started using crushed corn cob for desert dwelling snakes such as the sidewinder and like it so far. Since the enclosure stays nice and dry I have noticed no mold or decomposition and it seems easy to burrow in. The particles are too big to pose a pit clogging concern and while bigger pieces make it harder for a snake to ingest, it still shouldn't pose a problem if it did happen being essentially a plant fiber.

-Jason

.. I think I will try the desert mix lizard litter. Ron
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The Crawl Space