Re: Substrate Debate

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Posted by Chuck on October 26, 1999 at 21:20:34:

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

I've kept Drymarchon for years and I can still say that I haven't found any substrate that I like. I don't like shavings (pine or aspen) for a varity of reasons. The pieces of substrate are indeed large enough to cause blockage in the digestive system, which will kill the snake. The feces is so liquid and it is spread out so much that you really need to replace all of it often. Paper is probably best overall, but it has several faults too. It gets saturated and unless you are on the snake right away they will always lay right in it. The snakes usually manage to crumble it into a ball and simpply deficate on the bare floor. If you are willing to clean your cage each time they deficate then, by all means, use paper. I have too many to spend that much time cleaning each cage several times a week. I use a product called Sani-chips. It is a hardwood product that is almost dust free. It is a flat square less than 1/4". When they ingest it, and they will, it is small enough to go through them with no problems. And the best reason of all for me is I can use a shop-vac to suck up the mess. As the bedding is sucked away, I can just refill the cages with fresh. I do still need to wipe down the over spray on the sides but that is every week or two, not daily. I go in just about daily and spot clean the cages with the vacuum in just a few minutes. I then wipe down the ones that need it. I've been able to cut my cleaning time by 75%. Hope this helps.
Chuck

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Re: Substrate Debate Fred Albury 10/27/99 (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 : I've kept Drymarchon for years and I can still say that I haven't found any substrate that I like. I don't like shavings (pine or aspen) for a varity of reasons. The pieces of substrate are indeed large enough to cause blockage in the digestive system, which will kill the snake. The feces is so liquid and it is spread out so much that you really need to replace all of it often. Paper is probably best overall, but it has several faults too. It gets saturated and unless you are on the snake right away they will always lay right in it. The snakes usually manage to crumble it into a ball and simpply deficate on the bare floor. If you are willing to clean your cage each time they deficate then, by all means, use paper. I have too many to spend that much time cleaning each cage several times a week. I use a product called Sani-chips. It is a hardwood product that is almost dust free. It is a flat square less than 1/4". When they ingest it, and they will, it is small enough to go through them with no problems. And the best reason of all for me is I can use a shop-vac to suck up the mess. As the bedding is sucked away, I can just refill the cages with fresh. I do still need to wipe down the over spray on the sides but that is every week or two, not daily. I go in just about daily and spot clean the cages with the vacuum in just a few minutes. I then wipe down the ones that need it. I've been able to cut my cleaning time by 75%. Hope this helps. : Chuck

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Re: Substrate Debate

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