Substrate Poll (More than 1OK)

I have been keeping boas but new acquisitions are definitely going to increase the workload in terms of making sure everything is clean. Here is a poll to see which substrates have worked best for you, and how often you monitor/clean/change the substrate.

During most of the year, and for non-breeding animals, I use a product called Sani-Chips by Harland Teklad. They are a very small hardwood chip product. Defecations will "clump" much like cat litter. A full cage change is only necessary about every 3 to 4 months. Spot cleaning is very easy.

The only time I vary is with expectant females. The Sani-Chips get a little messy during birth. At those times, I switch to newspaper.

Originally Posted by Mike Greathouse

During most of the year, and for non-breeding animals, I use a product called Sani-Chips by Harland Teklad. They are a very small hardwood chip product. Defecations will "clump" much like cat litter. A full cage change is only necessary about every 3 to 4 months. Spot cleaning is very easy.

The only time I vary is with expectant females. The Sani-Chips get a little messy during birth. At those times, I switch to newspaper.

Mike, I've heard of, but never tried that stuff...how is it with moderate-high humidity? do water spills get absorbed readily without it becoming a huge mess? Any problems with it being ingested?

I just emailed Harlan Teklad to see if there is a local distributor for Sani-Chips, I did a search and it sounds like good stuff. Thanks, Mike, I never knew such a product existed.

Newspaper, with around 100 snakes it is alot cheaper, and my daughter's boyfriend works for the newspaper, so i get the leftovers and the end of unprinted rolls for free. I have newspaper to last a lifetime LOL!!!

I like shredded aspen for the wee babies about 2" thick so they can choose anywhere to hide, not just their hidebox.

Mulch for the larger snakes, about 2" thick there too.

Others get chipped aspen about 2" thick.

I feed prey that has been stunned (whacked if you please) off tongs while they are in their cages and I haven't had a problem with them eating anything they should not be eating. I do stand right there while they eat, though.

The little guys get moved to small deli cups w/o substrate to eat until I can get them to take food off tongs. It seems to help them find their food better.

I spot clean every time I feed and also if I notice a mess or a spilled water dish then the whole enclosure is cleaned.

I've changed my arboreals to paper towels. I can keep them a little damp w/o any problem.

I went back to mulch for my amazons - just wasn't happy with the paper towels. currently, the emeralds have a bare floor; but when I change them over to the other cages, i will likely go back to mulch with them also. mulch for the bloods and D'Albert's (tried the white lips on newpaper, but went back for the humidity). Newspaper for everything else. I was thinking about
Sani Chips, or one of the similar substrates for the general population - I hope to run away from home for a few days this summer; and I just know that if I do, my very favorite snakes will urinate as soon as I walk out the door, and have pneumonitis and blisters when I get home. (I was inquiring about the higher humidity stuff just cuz its easier to have one substrate).

<oh-I found just the thing for the baby Cape York Spotted Pythons in the food storage section at Walmart - 15 for $3.88>

I emailed the Sani-Chip people, telling them I was just a hobbyist; I got an email back from one of their 'account executives' who want to talk to me. I emailed them back saying I just want the number of their Houston supplier. If anyone already has a Sani-Chip supplier list by city and can post that info I would appreciate it.

How do you order these Sani-Chips? I did a search for them and for Harland Tekland and turned up zilch. It sounds like a true time saver compared to newspaper, and I like the fact it holds humidity.
Thanks,
Anthony

Originally Posted by harrellharrell

How do you order these Sani-Chips? I did a search for them and for Harland Tekland and turned up zilch. It sounds like a true time saver compared to newspaper, and I like the fact it holds humidity.
Thanks,
Anthony

I get mine from Superior, but I don't know if they offer the best deal or not.