substrate

[Muslim1]

I had bought some care fresh substrate. I could see it working well for a sub adult/adult. It reallt encouraged my scrubs to burrow and hide. Made feeding stressful on them. I just put down paper towels. They are now much more active on flat ground and are eating up a storm.

[guidofatherof5]

Some burrow and some don't. Smaller snakes probably do more of it to feel safer. I tried care fresh for a short time but didn't like it for the burrowing issue. They also did most of their pooping on the glass rather then the care fresh.

[Muslim1]

One of my scrubs is totally arboreal in its habits on a flat surface (paper towel, reptile carpet, etc) but if I give her care fresh she will burrow, rarely eat, and like you said get the glass all poopy.

[chris-uk]

How long did you give the CareFresh? I've switched substrate a few times (never used CareFresh though) and each time I've seen a temporary change in behaviour while my garters adjust to the change.
I'm using Lignocel now and I'm really happy with it.

[Muslim1]

I used it for 2 weeks. I could see it working for an adult but scrubs maybe not a great idea IMO.

[snipstedy]

Steve ,
I saw you had mentioned a while back (but can't find the thread) about the substrate you use. What kind is it and can I get it from the feed store rather than the pet store at a better cost, trying to cut back on expenses.

[guidofatherof5]

Compressed aspen pellets.
Gentle Touch Products - Products: Cat Box Filler, Pet Bedding, & Horse Bedding (http://www.gentletouchproducts.com/products.html#Anchor-Aspen-49575)

[snipstedy]

I just saw at the pet store that they had alfalfa pellets which looked similar to what you use but evidently it isn't. I'm going to try the feed store to see if they have aspen pellets. thanks!

[guidofatherof5]

There website shows locations/States it can be bought in.

[joeysgreen]

Alfalfa pellets will mold and get dusty quickly. I would stay away from using them. Steve, why do you like the pellets over shavings?

[guidofatherof5]

Alfalfa pellets will mold and get dusty quickly. I would stay away from using them. Steve, why do you like the pellets over shavings?

When the pellets get wet they fall apart into the consistency of saw dust. If they were ingested they would be more likely to pass through. When wet it is easy to see where a spot cleaning is needed and they reduce odor very well.
They're not the perfect substrate but close to it in my opinion.

[snakegirl909]

I use pellets in some of my cages as well. They really don't stick to food, so unlike shavings, it is unlikely any would be ingested.

[joeysgreen]

Good to know, thanks for sharing :)