poop and substrate question

When a snake (specifically, a carpet python, if that makes a difference) poops in his cage, does he know/remember where he poops and avoids that area until it's cleaned?

Is it possible that if he poops, and I don't tend to him for 12+ hrs, that when I next see him he'd have rubbed poop all over himself?

If so, is there a way to avoid this? (other than, check on him more often)


Also, what substrates do you guys like to use? A lot of people say newspaper, but it seems like to clean the poop you actually have to get rid of an entire sheet of newspaper, whereas for other substrates you can just scoop out the bit containing the poop.

Lastly, how mold/mildew-resistant are the various substrates you can get?
Specifically, how would you rank the following with regards to mold/mildew-resistance (especially if I have to mist the cage a few times):
1. Newspaper
2. Paper towel
3. Reptibark
4. Cypress shavings
5. Aspen shavings
6. Coconut fiber
7. others?


thanks,

- will

They will get into the poop and sometimes make a mess of it.

I use paper towels in some cages, and an Aspen/Cypress mix in others. Once I get new cages I will be using butcher paper in them and paper towels in my racks.

Not sure about the mold/mildew issues as I have not dealt with them.

Shredded newspaper is cheap and you can remove it in bits....

So, I just got a peruvian rainbow boa, and mine seems to really like burrowing.

So, now I'm worried. Is it going to poop under the substrate and make it impossible for me to find while nonetheless stinking up the entire tank?

This question applies to all burrowing species - Do they like pooping under the substrate? And if so, how do you get rid of the poop without cleaning out the entire tank?

thanks,

- will