Substrate - coco husk - should i mix it?

[njriderac]

I always had good luck in th epast with astro turf as a kid... now its time for my son and i'm setting up a new tank, my plan was repti-carpet lined bottom (to eliminate the glass feel on the bottom), with coco-husk on top.

This one: T-Rex Coconut Bark Reptile Substrate at PETCO

Question is..should I mix it with say the coco-fibre so its easier to clean up the messes?

[guidofatherof5]

Welcome to the forum from Iowa(T.radix heaven)
I don't use any of those substrates. I'm sure other members will be able to help you.
The forum care sheet goes into some detail about substrate, here's a link:Garter Snake Care Sheet - Caresheets
Looking forward to seeing your garter
Once again, Welcome

[infernalis]

here is a nice mix I like, it's a blend of coconut fiber (Eco earth) and bark chips.
Looks nice, holds humidity and is inexpensive.

[ConcinusMan]

That's what I use for Amy's enclosure, but more bark.^^^

If your snakes make a mess of the enclosure quickly, this can get a bit expensive, but an inch of it in Amy's tank lasts about 6 months since she's small and is on pinks (less poop)

[njriderac]

And no one has had any problems with mites/pests? What bark brand is that? The reason the T-rex coco husk caught my eye is because they state 'certified pest free'. Thanks!

[ConcinusMan]

And no one has had any problems with mites/pests? What bark brand is that? The reason the T-rex coco husk caught my eye is because they state 'certified pest free'. Thanks!

That's pretty much just a marketing thing. You can buy the same materials (fir bark pieces and coconut fiber) at a garden center and you usually won't find any bugs in that either.

[mtolypetsupply]

That's pretty much just a marketing thing. You can buy the same materials (fir bark pieces and coconut fiber) at a garden center and you usually won't find any bugs in that either.

I agree, but if you're wary of pests, just bake it in the oven.

While you have the oven on....

Gather up some leaves, and bake them. My babies LOOOOOOOVE to rustle around in them!!!!!

If you harvest any sticks for climbing, throw them in the oven, too!

Only advice on that is... don't do it while cooking dinner, or even a few hours before. Do it after everything is out of the oven for the night and leave the oven cracked open overnight if there is a residual odor.

KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON IT TOO!!!!! If anything starts smoking, Turn off the oven IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

I set the oven at 220. Water boils at 212, and if boiling water kills the ickies, then baking at 220 should do it too! Never had a problem.

[Hollis_Steed]

I agree, but if you're wary of pests, just bake it in the oven.

While you have the oven on....

Gather up some leaves, and bake them. My babies LOOOOOOOVE to rustle around in them!!!!!

If you harvest any sticks for climbing, throw them in the oven, too!

Only advice on that is... don't do it while cooking dinner, or even a few hours before. Do it after everything is out of the oven for the night and leave the oven cracked open overnight if there is a residual odor.

KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON IT TOO!!!!! If anything starts smoking, Turn off the oven IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

I set the oven at 220. Water boils at 212, and if boiling water kills the ickies, then baking at 220 should do it too! Never had a problem.

Good information, thanks!

[infernalis]

I use Zoo med repti bark.