Re: Substrate Debate

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Posted by Tim Brophy on October 26, 1999 at 18:12:24:

In Reply to: Substrate Debate posted by James on October 26, 1999 at 15:27:45:

: I think I've read just about every single post on this forum. I've been especially interested in the use of differing substrates.

: I haven't kept Indigo's - but intend to get a pair if at all possible (already 5' plus). I prefer aspen shavings (for look and the easy "scoop" type maintenance) - but have concerns about accidental ingestion of this material when they eat.

: So my question (for those who keep Indigo's on shavings vs. paper) - what methods do you use to ensure they do not ingest this material while eating (eg. place food on section of paper/plastic etc..).

: Also how badly do Indigo's succumb to rostral abrasions if kept in glass cages (aquaria) - can anyone elaborate?

: Thanks

: JAMES

If you use aspen, it is going to cost you a lot because you will be continually replacing much of it. Indigos do not usually defecate in one easy-to-clean pile. They literally shoot out their feces and it covers lots of the cage. Also, it is not possible to remove all of the soiled aspen with indigo feces. I use newspaper because you can remove all of it after a mess, clean the cage and simply replace the paper. Much more hygienic. I do use aspen for some other snakes and really like it, but not for indigos.

Glass aquaria are suitable for hatchlings and young snakes, but not for larger snakes. They are difficult to heat efficiently and the snake feels "exposed" with all sides being visible. I would think that active snakes like indigos would be more likely to abrade rostrals in aquaria. Try Vision cages. Initial cost is sort of high, but they last forever and are easy to clean.

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Shavings.. Matt 10/26/99 (0)

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: : : I think I've read just about every single post on this forum. I've been especially interested in the use of differing substrates. : : I haven't kept Indigo's - but intend to get a pair if at all possible (already 5' plus). I prefer aspen shavings (for look and the easy "scoop" type maintenance) - but have concerns about accidental ingestion of this material when they eat. : : So my question (for those who keep Indigo's on shavings vs. paper) - what methods do you use to ensure they do not ingest this material while eating (eg. place food on section of paper/plastic etc..). : : Also how badly do Indigo's succumb to rostral abrasions if kept in glass cages (aquaria) - can anyone elaborate? : : Thanks : : JAMES : If you use aspen, it is going to cost you a lot because you will be continually replacing much of it. Indigos do not usually defecate in one easy-to-clean pile. They literally shoot out their feces and it covers lots of the cage. Also, it is not possible to remove all of the soiled aspen with indigo feces. I use newspaper because you can remove all of it after a mess, clean the cage and simply replace the paper. Much more hygienic. I do use aspen for some other snakes and really like it, but not for indigos. : Glass aquaria are suitable for hatchlings and young snakes, but not for larger snakes. They are difficult to heat efficiently and the snake feels "exposed" with all sides being visible. I would think that active snakes like indigos would be more likely to abrade rostrals in aquaria. Try Vision cages. Initial cost is sort of high, but they last forever and are easy to clean.

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Re: Substrate Debate

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