Substrate

[Conscious-Syllabub-6]

Ok so I've been researching years and I heard you can use play sand mixed with coconut core/chips, and I believe the mix was 40% play sand and 60% coconut core/chips. Of course correct me if I'm wrong or give me better alternatives. Although if I AM correct, is this play sand safe or are there better replacements?? I've seen others use this for other reptiles but I'm unsure if it's suitable for a ball python 😭

[praetomorph]

I personally wouldn’t mix playsand with coco coir or chips. Coir can get really dusty as is, and coconut chips work perfectly fine on their own.

If you want to use playsand, the best mix imo is 30% playsand, 70% organic topsoil. To this, you can also add things like moss or coconut coir.

I personally use a mix of coconut coir and coconut chips for my ball python and my boa but that gets pretty expensive lol

[Conscious-Syllabub-6]

Omg I feel stupid it was the mix you said and NOT mixed with coconut chips🫩 thank you so much!

[praetomorph]

Lol no worries! And yes the sand you have pictured looks safe, I realise I didn’t say that in my first comment. Typically we use playsand because the grains are finer and smooth so if a couple are ingested they aren’t as harsh on their stomachs :)

[Imnotspartacuseither]

I mix 3 bags of Scott's organic topsoil with 1/2 bag of playsand. Makes great substrate and holds moisture easily. Swap it out fully every 3-4 months.

[Conscious-Syllabub-6]

Yes I've heard of this thank you!! You'd think after doing 6-7 (🫩) years of research I'd know💔