I have cages, displays, hatchling and breeder racks. In the display and regular cages I use aspen because it looks good, keeps down the smell, easy to spot clean and the snakes like to burrow. But, all those snakes have to be fed outside of their cage so they don't ingest some of the aspen. That is another thing you have to consider when choosing a substrate. In the hatchling racks I use paper towels because it folds and fits easily, easy to clean, although some hatchlings get under it and then make a mess under it. Then you have to clean the whole tub. I have used newspaper with my bearded dragons, but they smell and unless I clean it every day, it makes a big stink, so had to change to what I was using before. I use the newspaper in my adult snake racks though, but you definitely need to make sure you clean it as soon as there is a mess if you have an active snake, like mentioned by someone else.
Also, paper towels and news paper is the best to use when you have a mite problem and is also easiest to clean. Aspen takes more time to clean out before you can disinfect the cage for mites.
Also, whoever mentioned the mess of multiple cages and aspen hit the nail on the head. I have quite a few display cases that I use aspen in. Taking snakes in and out of those cages makes a mess on the floor. Often times it is tracked into another room.
I had to smile when that was mentioned because that happens to me quite frequently! lol. Most of the time I can keep the mess maintained in one room, but sometimes you will see a trail coming from the snake room. But, it helps me know if anyone but me has been in the snake room!!! lol. Aspen as a security feature / system
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