Aussie Pythons and Snakes

zoe · #1 26-Aug-03, 09:52 AM

just wondering why most people tend to use either newspaper or breeder's choice instead of other stuff which might look better. i just put some black polished rocks in jules' tank and he seems to love it. i know it's more work to clean but we only have the one snake so it's not so bad and it looks sooo much better! is that why everyone uses paper or bc cos it's so much quicker and easier to clean and most of u have more than 1 snake and rocks etc are too difficult or time consuming?

craigc · #2 26-Aug-03, 10:09 AM

if you have more then one snake you would want a substrate that is quick and easy to clean. If you only have one or two snakes you can take your time in cleaning the enclosure. I'm am using some sand (you can buy from pet shops) on one side and astro turf on the other for my stimson.

grahamh · #3 26-Aug-03, 11:50 AM

Hi Zoe

the main reason would be convenience in terms of cleanup. I think it also depends on whether you are displaying the snakes for the family to see or just keeping them in racks or non-display enclosures.

I use BC for all my enclosures and it is convenient when it comes to mucking out. I'm planning on switching to a woodchip woodmulch mixture shortly as I've got about ten tons of the stuff. I'm planning on building a steamer unit that I can sterilise this with. This way I hope to get a natural look and the easy cleanup too. I'll probably put a layer of BC underneath to soak up anything that might pass through it.

The beauty of the black pebbles would be that you can pull the whole lot out and easily disinfect it - just a bit more trouble but nice to look at.

Graham

Morelia_man · #4 26-Aug-03, 03:54 PM

i agree with everyone that has replied here, i think that people only use BC (breeders choice africa) and newspaper because it is convenient. all my NT's and a childrens are on either newspaper or BC but i am planning on getting a banded tree snake (boiga irregularis) in the next week or so and that will be on display in the lounge room so i am planning to make it look nice with trees and plants etc in the cage.

Greebo · #5 27-Aug-03, 04:58 AM

Black polished stones would look good and if you only have one snake, then why not. I would put newspaper or something underneath the stones to absorb urine to avoid a smelly enclosure.
Just wondering if stones would hold the heat from a heat mat, as it would make a nice little basking area for the snake.

Nicole · #6 27-Aug-03, 11:26 AM

I have a pile of stones in the corner of the Macs enclosure on top of the BC.
They do seem to hold heat fairly well, and as you suggested Greebo, it seems to be one of her favourite places to sit.

zoe · #7 27-Aug-03, 02:58 PM

yeah i've put newspaper under neath it to help with the cleaning! the rocks get nice and warm but not too hot where the light shines on them. he luvs it.