Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Congratulations on your new snake.

Regarding the tail wound, that’s kind of like me posting “I’ve got an injury to my foot. Am I going to be okay?” Could you post a photo? If it is actually scabbed over, the ointment probably isn’t doing any good, but wouldn’t be doing any harm, either.

Regarding the wood substrate, you didn’t indicate what type of pellets they are. I’ve used both aspen bedding and Sani-Chips with good results. The aspen holds tunnels, but has sharp ends if it gets in the snake’s mouth. I like Sani-Chips due to ease of cleaning out waste, but it really sticks to prey items, especially if they are wet. Best to feed the snake in another container or on paper.

-Joan

>>Hi!!! I just got a Sahara Sand Boa and I was wondering if i could use the same wood pellets that i use for my russian tortoise... if not what should i use?? he also has an injury on his tail...it looks asthough an animal got him (unfourtunatly he is wild caught so i'm not sure how he got it)it isnt healed yet but still has a scab...i've been puttin neosporin on it....any help will be appreciated
>>thanks
>>katie

the pellets are pine...umm i did take pictures of the wound but i can't figure out how to post them...i just started using this site... i'll keep trying to figure out how to post them but if you know please tell me
thanks
katie

here is the pic of the injury

Those wounds look clean to me. Applying a topical antibiotic like Neosporin or povidone iodine ointment is a good idea, but in that case you’d want to keep the snake on plain paper substrate for the duration of the treatments. It should be looking a lot better after a couple of sheds.

I was wondering if those pine pellets you’re using as a substrate are composed of compressed sawdust which break back down into dust after they get wet. If so, that’s not something I’d want to use because the dust is so fine and could pose a respiratory problem.

ummmm it probaly is saw dust.... wut is a good bedding for him??and until that is healed should he just be on paper towels?? how will he burrow then?? should i crumple them or anything??

I think most people on this forum use aspen bedding, or Sani-Chips. CareFresh is another option.

Yes, you can use paper towels or newspaper or brown paper bags to avoid getting those wounds caked up with substrate while you are applying ointment. Sure, feel free to ball up pieces for added places to hide. The snake will hide underneath the paper.

-Joan

>>ummmm it probaly is saw dust.... wut is a good bedding for him??and until that is healed should he just be on paper towels?? how will he burrow then?? should i crumple them or anything??

Thanks for the advice!!
~Katie