Whats the best substrate?

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Im researching garter snake care and im wondering whats the best substrate to use any suggestions?

[GarterGuy17]

Well thats hard to say as people have a different preference and so do their snakes , so these things could be how easy it is to clean , do you plan on feeding inside the tank , health issues that some may or may not cause , or just plain what your looking for visual wise.

I use aspen shaving as its easy to clean , inexpensive and if your snake likes to burrow the aspen is one of the best for this. Although I use aspen I do not feed inside the tank as she can swallow a piece of the wood which can cause an impaction , leading to death.

[gregmonsta]

I've tried a few different beddings and the ones that have worked best for me were 'Supreme Carefresh bedding' and, currently, ECOBALE CARDBOARD BEDDING (20 KG BALE)

We have a few threads discussing substrate choice - http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husb...substrate.html

[EasternGirl]

I love carefresh too...but recently switched to aspen because one of my snakes has a respiratory issue and the dust from the carefresh seemed to bother her. Also, my snakes really seem to like to burrow in the aspen. But, like John said...I do not feed in the aspen. I switch the snakes out to a feed tank to feed them now.

[infernalis]

Certain snakes have different humidity requirements, so it will somewhat depend on species.

I now keep my Infernalis on eco-earth (coconut fiber) for better more complete shedding.

Ribbon snakes like humidity as well.

For the most part, aspen, repti bark, carefresh and such works just fine.

Some people just use paper towels or old newspaper, but that's just unattractive.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Thanks guys

[Thamnophis]

I use in a lot of terrariums since a few years BedXcel. This works for me. Snakes seem to like it.

terrarium05.jpg

[Hollis_Steed]

I've used folded up paper towels in a pinch, as well as newspaper.

[GarterCZ]

Newspaper or napkins are by far the best for most snakes, but not very good looking. I use peat moss mixed up with aquarium gravel about 2:1, its cheap and look much better than paper

[snakehill]

I use Repti-bark. I love the way it looks! You also don't have to worry about them ingesting it if the chunks are big enough.