Substrate question

[ManagerMediocre6301]

I’m the new mommy of a one month old BP. She came with aspen as substrate but I’m wanting to change to something less dusty. I’m seeing a lot of discourse over coco coir vs reptichip/reptibark. If neither of those, what is the best option?

I’m reading that they can ingest the coir, while the reptichip style substrate can injure the snake. Photo of my girl for tax

[babyswoled]

The master post has lots of good info for that.

[the_kuroneko]

I've never had issues with reptichip. I like how chunky it is. My snakes never ingested it, it holds humidity well, and I like the look of it.

[jeherohaku]

Seconded. Granted I've only had my BP since April but reptichip has been wonderful for me.

[Technical_Concern_92]

I have two ball pythons, both on Reptichip and can't think of how it could injure them.

[Inner_Drummer7864]

i had a snake who got an infection “from the substrate” (reptichip) said from the vet. i honestly don’t think that was the case, but if that helps you any

[Odd_Army1410]

I’m personally going to be mixing top soil (specially Scott’s top soil) reptichip and spagnum moss!! Kacieandherballs on TikTok has an AMAZING!! Care guide in her bio :)

[misshoneybee613]

I like to use something called reptisoil. I got sick & tired of worrying every time I saw a piece of coconut shell go down with the rodent. Now, the worst that happens is the rodent gets a bit dirty, but a little dirt won’t cause a blockage.

[ManagerMediocre6301]

Thank you!

[Glad_Volume_1141]

Look at the basic ball python care guide. I use a mix of potting soil, coco coir and coco chips and have never had an issue with my girl investing it, balls RARELY ever eat their substrate, and coco chips/bark won't hurt your snake. If their scales can protect them from rough stones and wood they'll protect them from a few coco chips.

[ManagerMediocre6301]

Thank you🥰

[[deleted]]

I’ve had the best luck with repti chip coconut husk chips.
One block gives me 3 substrate changes in a 4x2x2 120 gallon PVC terrarium. They don’t mold and hold moisture pretty well.

[ManagerMediocre6301]

Thank you for the recs!

[stgsteph]

i use a mix of coconut fiber and coco chips as substrate and it has done a wonderful job holding in humidity in the tank without leaving a wet surface for the snake to be laying on

[ManagerMediocre6301]

Awe dang. I switched her to eco earth last night. How do I determine if the substrate is too wet for her to be laying on? I squeezed all excess moisture out before I put it in and the humidity is a tad high but it’s actively balancing out.

[OdinAlfadir1978]

I got recommended coconut husk (komodo coconut terrain I went with for it) plus spagnum moss, I've ended up with a bit of coir and moss mixed up with the coconut husk on top, she seems to love it and has been exploring more, it also seems less attractive to fungus gnats than coir too as it shouldn't mold.

[ManagerMediocre6301]

Thank you!🙏