substrate

haven't got a snake yet, but I think I'll use aspen

I use ground Walnut Shells. It's good so far. Anytime they deficate it makes it really easy to clean up. I was a little worried when my hoggie got sick because she would leave her mouth open and i was afraid she would swallow it. It holds very minimal moisture, but does keep my humidity around 30% or just under (which is fine for a western or mexican). I used the calcium sand but it changed the color of my snakes! I like my red hogs, not my chalk colored hogs. Anyway, i use the shells because they can dig and love it. It's pretty close to natural large grain sand. It also retains heat pretty well too. So far, no problems, but i'm not the most lucky person on the face of the planet.

Originally Posted by whytepizza

It holds very minimal moisture, but does keep my humidity around 30% or just under (which is fine for a western or mexican).

It keeps it that high, does it? Impressive.

Mine does, i have my hog tanks above my Red Tail tanks to save on energy and reduce the cost of heating and i keep my red tails at 70% humidity. Above my hogs i have a sold plastic shelf that sometimes has condensation on it. i also have an aquarium with eastern news and a few aquatic turtles next to my hogs and i think all that together adds to my humidity. I try to keep it down though, but i think 30% is safe, i just don't want it any higher.

oh, and it's new jersey. Humidity is insane here! my house was built into a swamp (because that's all NJ seems to be). So my readings lately have been about 30%. The outside humidity has been between 50-70% and i have an ac on, i haven't noticed a big jump or drop in humidity indoors. My Russian Tortoises had to be moved indoors, though. I'm always afraid they are going to get an infection from the humidity and the beautiful smog.

I live in the natural range of Western Hogs, normal humidity 20% or less, and I like Eco Earth as a substrate for mine. I can dampen it around the shed periods and allow it to dry out in other times.
That said most of the time I see them in sandy locations in the wild around here.