Urgent substrate question?

[GarterSnake]

Can I used pelleted IFA chicken feed as substrate? I am nearly out of alfalfa pellets and I need what I have for my rabbits.

Thanks!

These are the ingredients:

Crude Protein(min)...................................... ...........20.0% Lysine (min)............................................. ...............0.80% Methionine (min)............................................. .......0.20% Crude Fat (min)............................................. ............3.0% Crude Fiber (max)............................................. ........5.5% Calcium............(min).........3.5 %...........(max)..........4.5% Phosphorus (min)............................................. ..........0.8% Salt....................(min)..........0.2 %.........(max)..........0.70% Vitamin A (min)............................................. ....2,000 IU/lb Vitamin D (min)............................................. .......600 IU/lb Vitamin E (min)............................................. ............7 IU/lb

[guidofatherof5]

My first concern would be with the product getting wet and rotting since it is a food.

[GarterSnake]

Thanks for the reply. I would spot clean it quite a bit, I've heard that concern with rabbit feed, too. My main question, is there anything in the ingredients that would be harmful to snakes?

[guidofatherof5]

I've never heard of this being used as a substrate.

[GarterSnake]

Thanks, I hadn't either. I'll stick to the rabbit feed, just to be safe.

[slipknot711]

can always use paper towels!

[d_virginiana]

Newspapers are free, and my garters love to hide between the pages. :)

[joeysgreen]

I agree, I think the concern isn't with what is in the substrate you are using or thinking of using, but what grows on it. Molds and spores don't take long to build up. First and foremost, I wouldn't use either as a substrate. If you are dead-set on using rabbit food for a substrate, spot clean daily, and change entirely at least 2x/week. Monitor closely for ventral scale health and respiratory ailments.

[guidofatherof5]

I agree, I think the concern isn't with what is in the substrate you are using or thinking of using, but what grows on it. Molds and spores don't take long to build up. First and foremost, I wouldn't use either as a substrate. If you are dead-set on using rabbit food for a substrate, spot clean daily, and change entirely at least 2x/week. Monitor closely for ventral scale health and respiratory ailments.


Good advice.;)

[snakegirl909]

imo, paper towels are the best. Easy to clean, and the snakes seem to like it. Plus you don't have to worry about any being ingested.

[MiddletonMouse]

I was going to say paper towels or newspapers too, in saying that I use horse bedding which consists of little cardboard squares. My guys like to burrow in it.

[GarterSnake]

Thanks guys, I'm switching back to blank newsprint, :)