With extra care and attention, a ball python also requires a fully secured aquarium or cage. Since the habitats of them are not predicted, preparing their enclosure observing their changes is intelligent.
One of the significant entities to organize its tank is the bedding or substrate. Deciding the wrong bedding for them can lead to skin disease, irritation, blocking the nervous system and even death. This is why, in order to get a healthy boa, take time to choose.
However, when the market is flooded with different substrates and all look similar, it’s not an easy job to find the best one.
Let’s end your quest to find the best substrate and bedding for ball python. Walk with me if you want to get your hands on them.
List of 12 Best Substrate and Bedding for Ball Python :
1. ReptiChip Premium Coconut Reptile Substrate (Top Pick)
2. Zoo Med Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber Substrate (Recommended)
3. Critters Comfort Coconut Reptile Bedding Organic Substrate (Recommended)
4. Reptile Prime Coconut Fiber Bedding Substrate (Recommended)
5. Super Moss (23120) Orchid Potting Bark (Recommended)
6. Kaytee All Natural Aspen Bedding
8. VIVA Choose-A-Sheet* Paper Towels
9. Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding
10. Zen Garden PZG Premium Artificial Grass Patch
Our Recommendation
In a rush? Well if you are in a hurry and can’t read out the whole context now, check out our recommendation on top and budget pick.
Top Pick
ReptiChip Premium Coconut Reptile Substrate
When it is about bedding or substrate of a ball python, I was bound to pick ReptiChip Premium Reptile Substrate. They are crafted with 100% organic elements, born to provide natural touch. With this awesome stuff, you can get exceedingly reliable bedding and it’s easy to see why. With its super absorbent ability, it delivers a clean and odor-free tank for reptiles. They can hold humidity well to keep your pets healthy and risk-free. However, despite being moisture, they are mold and mildew resistant! To keep them clean, the substrate is washed and refined finely. With all these things, they are a great contribution to the environment as well.
Budget Pick
Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Liner
Don’t get confused watching this name in the budget pick. Even though they are cheap in price, it can be your best choice. How? You can reuse them frequently after every wash. Since they require stress-free clean, you don’t have to waste a lot of effort. While other carpets feel rough, look unnatural, are designed with controversial elements, and thin fabrics, this carpet is thick and toxin-free. This means you are getting a carpet that looks realistic, feels wonderful under bare feet, and is faultlessly comfortable for pets. It doesn’t need additional filler to stand supreme. This carpet holds up durably through any weather. It is rendered to overcome bitter sunlight or pee without decreasing the value. With such features, fortunately, they need low maintenance.
1. ReptiChip Premium Coconut Reptile Substrate
Key features
- Formed with 100% Organic and superior quality coconut chips.
- Cleaned and filtered for dust-free bedding.
- Provided with different sized coconut chips.
- It comes with Ultra-absorbent and odor-free features.
- It highly helps to retain humidity.
- Easy to manage and environment familiar.
Do you want a naturalistic sort of setup for your ball python? Then this premium Coconut Reptile Substrate from ReptiChip is certainly worth checking out. It holds moisture at an accurate level without getting moldy.
So, if your snake is from more tropical areas or needs higher humidity you can use this stuff undoubtedly. Moreover, there are no chances of getting gross since it does its practice perfectly.
Do you often experience fine ground stuck in your python’s mouth or nostrils? Then wave your worry out and get this substrate that is far from sticking when they feed or smells.
But don’t get me wrong, it is not scratchy and rough at all. After it gets moistened, It loosened and softens up. All you have to do is spraying it down and the substrate is ready to use.
Apart from that, it can arrange an ideal stage for safe breeding under your ball python.
Because of its odor-absorbing superior quality coconut, you can call it a safe and eco-friendly product. It is prepared with 100% chipped coconut husk with no additional fillers.
The substrate of the pets arrives in a compact block. After spraying water on it, it will surprise you by expanding to about 72 quarts.
The last thing you can think of is adding something harmful to your pet’s house. Luckily, it does not contain any chemicals. On top of that, it provides dust and fiber-free beds to keep pythons healthy.
Pros
- It provides pet clean and dust-free bedding for healthy growth.
- Mixed sized supreme quality coconut husk helps boa to thrive physical state.
- Since it holds moisture perfectly, it resists molds and gross.
- The product can absorb liquid waste and odors to keep the cage fresh.
Cons
- The substrate is mold resistant but not mold PROOF.
- Expanding the substrate properly proved to be difficult.
Verdict:
Since coconut shells turned out to be the best substrate for reptiles, the stuff works great on ball python. It is capable to retain humidity naturally and doesn’t mold. Besides, they are shredded and washed finely to ensure dust and odor-free surroundings.
2. Zoo Med Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber Substrate
Key features
- Safe for composting and recycling.
- The fiber is soft and comfortable for reptiles.
- Holds lots of moisture for a long time.
- Expands 8 times its size.
- Ultra-absorbent and odor-free.
- Easy maintenance and eco-friendly.
What makes it stand out among the rest is the finely compressed coconut fiber. They are ideal for any type of reptiles including making it safe for composting and recycling.
This fiber is soft, and your pets can bury itself when they need to breed. By digging and moving soil to cover the entrance they get privacy.
Surely the substrate can make you say, “mamma mia” out of satisfaction by its expansion. It produces 7 to 8 liters of underlayer only from one brick.
Each bricks net weight 650g and expands to 8 times in size. So, this bedding seems to be the best bang for your buck.
When it’s time to absorb odor and waste, the product performs very well. Without missing enough wetness, it has capabilities to maintain optimal humidity levels for reptiles. Another benefit of using it is, you can make it vigorous for different species by mixing organic fertilizer.
If you have both tropical and desert species then it’s time for you to kill two birds with one stone. You can use this substrate for both of them by using damp for tropical species, dry for desert species.
Not only does it hold out the dust, but it also contains no dangerous impurities. This is why they are great for pet’s living spaces.
Pros
- The coconut husk doesn't have an awful chemical smell.
- It enhances the living conditions of reptiles.
- One brick can formulate 7 to 8 liters of soil base.
- Ideal for tropical species and desert species as well.
Cons
- Excessive moisture may mold or mildew coconut chips.
- You have to break the brick using your hands
Verdict:
The coconut chips are very good at absorbing unpleasant odor and animals’ litter. Therefore, choosing this base for your python’s ball is one of the best decisions that you can make. Each block involves a bunch of substrates that can last for decades.
3. Critters Comfort Coconut Reptile Bedding Organic Substrate
Key features
- Soft and cushioning texture.
- Hygienic, clean and dust-free.
- Non-toxic and odor-free.
- Reusable to improve the soil.
- Keep the tank’s humidity adequately.
- 100% refined organic coconut coir.
If you are on the hunt for quality products without costing you an arm and a leg, this bed line has the seal of approval. Nasty smell in inhabiting areas is something that can make your precious pet’s surroundings unpleasant.
Hence, you need to choose a substrate that can absorb odor and waste of them, and this stuff is great for this job. It has an incredible ability to retain and break down moisture as well.
A dusty and toxic comforter can be a reason for your reptiles’ injury. Keeping your snake’s safety in mind, it is prepared with 100% refined organic coconut coir and has no chemical touches. So, you can rest assured that your pet is protected within a dust-free and non-toxic decent setting.
Are you facing difficulty to preserve humidity for reptiles? No worries, this substance is excellent to keep up humidity for a lengthy period.
Tropical terrariums and vivariums- both kinds of the genre can easily adjust with it. Considering that changing animals’ bedding constantly is tough to do, it is made to last for long. Apart from that, it establishes a perfectly hygienic ground for your viper.
Additionally, the texture it provides is more like a soft soil blanket to guarantee comfort along with insulation. It’s also helpful to give a safe landing of eggs.
After use, are you going to toss it to trash? Wait, know that, they are reusable, and you can use it to enrich the soil conditions of your yard!
Pros
- Smooth fabric provides animals ultimate comfort zone.
- The refined coconut coir is scratch-free.
- It has no risk of chemical to harm pets.
- The substrate works well to absorb odor and retain moisture.
Cons
- Some customers found it messy.
- May shows up in pets mouth due to fine texture.
Verdict
If your pet’s sleeping space needs refreshing or upgrade, this product can literally meet your intentions. The substrate comes in delicate and safe construction materials that will make the bed a standout piece.
4. Reptile Prime Coconut Fiber Bedding Substrate
Key features
- Made with premium quality coconut coir.
- Can protest any fungal activity.
- Free from any toxic chemicals.
- Promotes the proper amount of humidity.
- Reduce odor and waste of animals.
- Acceptable for tropical and desert species.
Want a premium touch at your python’s home? Then invest in this superior quality coir from Reptile Prime for their bedding. Even though they are made from coconut husk, they can protest any fungal activity.
The substrate promotes the proper amount of moisture and pets love to burrow on it. It does break down odor and waste to keep surrounding free from gross.
The bedding maintains beneficial settings and has no presence of chemicals, pesticides or fragrance. On top of that, the producers give it a thorough wash and refined them properly. So, there is no chance of scratchy stuff harm pets as well.
The smell of raw soil from it is amazing and the freshness it provides is appreciable. Since you can use it in dry and damp- both ways, they are applicable for tropical and desert species.
The layer is best used when your boa is breeding and changing its skin. This can preserve the humidity constantly of the cage helping the pet to have an effortless shed out of its previous skin.
Indeed, this base is an eco-friendly choice and their 24 quart weighs roughly 6 pounds. Hence, if you call it a big bang for the bucks, you’re not wrong.
Pros
- The husk is born to provide the best quality.
- It can preserve the right level of moisture to the tank.
- Beautifully refined and dust-free for building a safe home.
- Eco-friendliness at every stage of the life cycle.
Cons
- Sometimes it contains dust.
- Tends to become messy while use.
Verdict
Cushioning and safe, reptile prime’s substrate offerings are hard to resist. They are fantastic for your cage friends, made from entirely natural fabrics. It is certainly a beauty for all the basics like waste and odor reducer and comforters as well.
5. Super Moss (23120) Orchid Potting Bark
Key features
- Made from 100% natural Douglas-fir tree bark.
- Humidity retention capabilities.
- Highly absorbent to odor and waste.
- Ideal potting premium.
- Cushioning and relaxed texture.
- No existence of harmful ingredients.
Though this product is not specifically manufactured for a ball python, this bedding can be your charm. It is formulated with 100% organic Douglas-fir tree bark and works great to burrow reptiles.
It has humidity retention capabilities to hold proper moisture in the tank. Since the bedding arrives from sustainable commodities, it is highly absorbent to odor and waste. For this reason, no more holding your nose while meeting your pets.
With this ideal potting medium, you can keep the reptiles clean and glad. Watching them hiding under soft and fluffy moss is amazing.
Can you ever think of risking the lives of your pet? A big No, right? But a simple mistake while choosing a bed for them can make you count down forever.
Keeping this in mind, this super moss is formulated without any unhealthful elements. It has no harmful chemicals either, allowing this substrate to be safe.
Moreover, it is qualified for ideal oxygenation and drainage of vapor. This helps the substrate to clean the animals’ liquid waste.
From each package, you will find bulk quantities of moss, enough for velvety bedding. The cushioning layer out of it is an excellent mattress for your favorite slippery friends in the cage.
Pros
- The bedding is qualified for ideal oxygenation and
- Safe to use and contains no chemicals or harmful elements.
- It can absorb odor and waste to keep the tank clean and tidy.
- The layer it creates is comfortable and healthy for pets.
Cons
- Compared to other, slightly rough
- It can build up mold and mildews
Verdict:
Despite not being born for a ball python, the super moss snatches heart of many python lovers. It is a great option when you want to turn your pet’s chamber into a great napping sanctuary. And obviously, that is, without any odor and toxins.
6. Kaytee All Natural Aspen Bedding
Key features
- It contains no dust.
- No dangerous aromatics oil or ink.
- Can do a decent task of odor control.
- Made of raw and natural aspen shavings.
- It can hold humidity longer.
- Nutrient-rich compost for the garden.
Don’t be surprised watching Kaytee aspen as bedding for a ball python. It’s being said that using aspen as their substrate is a great idea.
The Kaytee is composed of raw and natural aspen shavings. They are specially filtered to remove additional dust.
To being extremely moisture, this aspen has the super skill to keep up humidity. In addition, you can easily recycle it after use. So, they are helpful to the environment. Besides, it is very absorbent and performs a decent task of odor control.
Before leaving anything in the tank of your innocent pet, know that you can find it in their mouth. So, this aspen contains no dangerous aromatics oil or ink.
This substrate will assist to create your ball python live much better by adding a good surface to your snake’s aquarium. This is simple enough for the pet to burrow inside it.
Aside from being a natural substrate, this is not dusty like sand and doesn’t cause mold. After use, the aspen makes nutrient-rich compost for the garden.
Pros
- This substrate doesn't make any mess in the tank.
- Keep pets safe and healthy.
- Used aspen can make rich compost.
- The humidity status is excellent for a ball python.
Cons
- Not specifically made for a ball python.
- Some customers complain about mites.
Verdict:
If you prefer wood shaving over coconut husk for your python’s bedding, it’s a good choice. This is also an easy path to clean python enclosures. Like any good substrate, this can very sustainable and suitable for all habitats.
7. Zoo Med Eco Cage Carpet
Key features
- Easy to use and cut to fit the cage.
- Constantly reusable.
- No risk of unintentional ingestion.
- It can be used to prevent heat.
- It can control the odor.
- Made with thick and soft materials.
How about using green carpet for bedding instead of sand or any other kind of particle that your pets can swallow? Sounds great, right?! Well, then Zoo Med Eco carpet is the most well-known preference because it feels natural and soft.
They are made with stronger and more durable materials compared to other types of substrate. Besides, you can wash them easily whenever situations demand, simply by rinsing water.
Dealing with bedding of python can sometimes become costly. Fortunately, this carpet is really effortless to launder oftentimes without lots of expenses.
The good news is that the humidity has been holding better with this and they are odor absorbent. So, no more smell of the poops and no more sneered at your pets!
They arrive in sheets and you can easily use them. If it doesn’t fit your tank, simply cut and place them inside the tank.
Each sheet of Zoo Med Eco carpet is 1/8″ thick and crafted with soft plastic fiber. It’s very well blended and adequate smooth.
As its thickness can prevent burning from the heat of glass, you can use them against the glass beneath the layer snake bedding.
However, what if your python decided to dig in the low spot of bedding? There is a chance to burn them out of the heat. This is why using this carpet also under bedding as extra support is wise.
Pros
- By simply cutting to size, you can get the perfect fit for the enclosure.
- You can wash the same piece several times to utilize it.
- No concerns about sand or gravel ingestion
- This can easily soak up animal waste.
Cons
- It gets stained easily.
- You have to clean them often.
Verdict:
If your personal preference for python is carpet then go for Zoo Med Eco Carpet. You’ll get whatever you are looking for in it since they are highly absorbent and reusable as well. Moreover, they are healthy, easy to use and easy to clean.
8.VIVA Choose-A-Sheet Paper Towels
Key features
- An inexpensive alternative to other bedding.
- It can hold humidity well.
- You can replace it easily.
- It provides an extremely hygienic cage.
- Includes 90 sheets per roll.
- Different sizes are available to choose from the bedding.
When you are running out of the substrate and you can’t purchase some, you can utilize VIVA towel paper towels. It is an inexpensive alternative to other bedding.
This paper towel from VIVA can deliver your terrarium with a simple smooth touch while maintaining moisture to provide humidity to the cage. Using this sheet type towel as ‘reptile’s bedding is a decent option and better in captivity.
They are not natural doesn’t mean they are awful ideas to try for bedding. Considering that, it’s cheap and available everywhere, this stuff is awesome.
Once your reptile releases its waste material of the week or whenever they fulfill it, you can simply replace this paper towel sheet. This chore is much straightforward than clearing a loose substrate because you almost have to grab it with hand to throw.
Besides, it doesn’t spare any missing pieces of waste that have germs or bacteria. So, there is no chance of the bacteria to head back to your animal.
It’s a guaranteed way to keep animal’s home clean because everything will be on top of that substrate or the towels as long as you’re wrapping the whole tank.
However, if you have a sick animal or if it’s infected with mites or has a type of parasite or illness, it’s really effortless to keep the cage extremely hygienic with this paper towel.
You’ll get 90 sheets per roll from each VIVA paper towels package. Additionally, they let you choose a size for cleaning as your job requires- big or small.
Pros
- You can easily find it in any nearby store.
- The preserved moisture is beneficial for pets.
- You can easily clean and replace it.
- It confirms an odor-free and healthful home.
Cons
- Some reptiles don’t feel comfortable with it.
- They are not natural.
Verdict:
It’s just all-around super easy to keep the tank very pure with a paper towel. Though it might not be the best look and it’s not favorable for naturalistic sense for pets, it is still an incredible option to keep your animals comfortable and energetic.
9.Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding
Key features
- Good for borrowers.
- Slightly dump to hold moisture
- Crafted with fresh rounded woody cones of the coniferous tree.
- Contribution to the environment.
- It does not mold even with high humidity.
- It can cover a large space of the tank.
Want a great hiding place with a fantastic moisture level for your viper? Then there is nothing better to this substrate since it arrived slightly dump to hold moisture for all time.
Unlike other substrates, Zoo Med Forest Floor bedding does not mold even with high humidity. They provide animals healthy surroundings while being dust and odor-free.
When you open the stack of Zoo Med forest bedding, the fresh smell of evergreen coniferous tree comes out. They are crafted with fresh rounded woody cones of the coniferous tree bearing a small number of leaves. So, they are totally natural and looks realistic in the tank.
The bedding is pretty weighty and can cover a large space of the tank. Whether you have single or multiple snakes, they can get a huge field to play around. Besides, by getting this substrate you will be a contribution to the environment. This is why thanks to its disposal features.
Facing a hard time to notice where the poop and uneaten food is? Well, they are easy to find in this substrate. So, it’s easy to keep the enclosure clean and tidy.
Pros
- It can provide a fluffier type of bedding.
- Made with healthy and safe ingredients.
- It contains the right level of humidity.
- Mold resistant and odor-free.
Cons
- Some bags may contain mostly big chunks.
- It becomes messy while preparing.
Verdict:
They are made of smooth and soft materials without any sharp edges to mistreat your cobra. Therefore, while using this, you will never notice any stain on your pet’s skin.
10. Zen Garden PZG Premium Artificial Grass Patch
Key features
- Crafted with premium quality turf.
- Looks natural and realistic inside the tank.
- Smooth and soft like real grass.
- Dominant in any weather conditions.
- Rubber backing.
- Long-lasting and reusable.
Why should you consider buying a grass patch from Zen Garden? Because Pet Zen Garden is a premium choice using the best quality turf. They are denser and heavier than others.
Artificial grass is in my mind the easiest to use and clean bedding choice. It is great if you want to cover the whole enclosure with durable and high-end layer bedding. This grass looks natural while being soft and beautiful.
You can always get this to wash off the waste and It can raise up the humidity. fortunately, it lacks possible ingestion since there is no concern about anything going into the pet’s mouth.
When it’s time for your python to shreds, it satisfies their rubbing demands against it. Besides, they will have an easier time getting that shut off.
They can stand dominant in any weather conditions. Thanks to their UV proof and frost proof features. With this bedding, there is no fear whether it is the harshest sun or torrential rain.
It is born to mimic real texture that can even make your neighbors confused. Due to their drainage hole, they are highly absorbent.
Their synthetic body with four-tone and rubber backing makes the product more realistic and long-lasting. On the other hand, they need low maintenance as well.
Other than that, why waste money when you can reuse a substrate for long days without any trouble? After pets have done their job to it, you can clean them easily and dry them quickly. So, don’t miss this chance.
Pros
- Delivers ball python a smooth and soft home.
- You can easily use and clean the substrate.
- The bedding elements are safe and healthy.
- Rubber backing holds the grass on the surface.
Cons
- Python cannot burrow in it.
- The bedding is not highly absorbent.
Verdict:
If you have some pieces of Zen premium artificial grass patch, you have no further worries about the substrate. Despite being not natural, this artificial grass gives the same texture as green grass. They copy the soft and smoothness of the hay coating and arrange tremendous comfort for vipers.
11. Zoo Med Reptile Bark Fir Bedding
Key features
- Composed of high-quality Hygroscopic.
- Natural and dust-free.
- Reusable and easy to replace.
- It gets tropical rainforest looks.
- Holds moisture to create humidity
- Long-lasting.
Whether you’re looking for the bark of fir trees to act as a substrate for your python, to give them a comfortable place to live or to lead a safe and healthy life, Zoo Med Reptile Bark Fir Bedding treats you with high-quality ingredients.
Invest in this premium quality bedding that’s deceptively natural and dust-free. It is a soft bark that has been cut down to small chunks approx 3/8″. For the reason that it is formed with Hygroscopic, it can absorb and hold moisture for an extended period.
To create humidity, it inhales moisture and then releases it. Thanks to its fluffier bedding, since it allows burrowing activity for pets. You can also mix it with a tiny bit of cocoa husk/fiber for added humidity.
They tend to give a tropical rainforest appearance. So, reptiles look awesome while living and sleeping on it.
When pets are done with releasing waste on this bedding, it takes the shape of icky so that you can clean them easily. You can use them for a long time, only have to change it once a year.
Also, maintaining them is easy and you can reuse them by simply soaking them in hot water every 2 to 3 months.
Pros
- Premium quality hygroscopic keeps pet healthy.
- The piece size of the bedding is easier to work with.
- Decorates tank with tropical forest looks.
- They are reusable, a couple of times.
Cons
- Some customers suggest not to use it without refining.
- Excessive moisture can create white bugs out of it.
Verdict:
It can fade away odor and has a special ability to maintain humidity levels. Such moisture combined with the natural look can cover large space. If your animals often practice burrowing, they would love spending time on it.
12. Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Liner
Key features
- Approved by the United States Association of Reptile Keepers.
- No chemicals or harmful fabrics.
- Super easy to clean.
- You can easily replace it.
- It can be used to cover reflections.
- Created with a biodegradable enzyme to control bitterness.
A highly trusted creation by the United States Association of Reptile Keepers. They established this product based on science, education, and conservation. They take the responsibilities of every reptile to keep them healthy. So, you can rest assured that it’s great stuff for your ball python.
With this premium quality carpet, your ball python never going to miss sand. Carpet type substrate is a great alternative to using sand or other loose substrates.
This carpet used no chemicals or harmful fabrics to get formed. They are also cannot be digested. So, compared to other substrates they are safe.
If you don’t want to wake up on the smell of baking poops, this bedding can save you. Luckily, they use a biodegradable enzyme that reduces reptile bad smells.
They are super easy to clean and after washing it, there can be literally no poop left. What you can do is pick the carpet by rolling it up and carrying it outside, quickly spray off with the hose, shake it out, and hang it on the fence to dry. Since you can wash and reuse them constantly, they lower the costs of bedding.
Your pets stressing out seeing his own reflection? You can cover the sides of the tank with this carpet to avoid this unwelcome situation.
Pros
- They are easy to use, clean and replace.
- They are safe and contain no chemicals.
- It has the ability to control the bad smells of pets.
- There is no chance for pets to digest it.
Cons
- Sometimes reptiles catch its nails in it.
- This isn’t favorable if your pet frequently adores to burrows.
Verdict:
This green and brown carpet looks natural and easy to use. You have to simply roll out the carpet and cuts to size as your tank requires. Also, by simply rinsing them in cold water, you can wash them for reuse.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Substrate for a Ball Python
Different types of bedding available in the market are awesome, they can be both a comfy and safe, but also wrong bedding for pets can be harmful and can even cause death to them. So, before buying the substrate for a ball python, there are certain points you have to consider making the right choice. Following these points, you’ll have a much easier way of picking the one that really benefits you.
Natural
You can’t deny that animals are more comfortable with a natural touch. They feel happy and enjoy being there for a long period. So, most of the substrate tends to make with natural elements like- coconut coir, bark or leaves of trees or soft mosses. But remember that, all of them are not 100% organic, this is why choose bedding that has no other mixed fiber.
Chemical Free
Leaving something with harmful chemicals in the animal tank is similar to killing them. Bedding mixed with chemicals can develop dangerous lumpy skin disease. Since the beddings are close to animals’ nostrils, chemicals work directly on the channel of nerves. This can make breathing problems from the inside, leading to death. Therefore, carefully check if your decided substrate or bedding has any harmful toxins.
Absorbent Features
This is indeed one of the most significant points while buying a substrate for pets. One main reason to include substrate in pets’ tank is to absorb urine and odor. Bad smell out of pet waste is a very usual thing, but you can control these odors if you have a good substrate to absorb it.
Soft Texture
If your substrate contains any scratchy corner or additional itchy fiber, they can tear off the skin and injured ball python. Since their skin is sensitive to rough materials, make sure that your chosen stuff is free from any accidental elements.
Maintain Humidity
Humidity is important for your python’s health. Excessive or insufficient moisture means the creature could suffer from skin and shell disorder, respiratory trouble and other shedding problems. So, choose a substrate that can hold the right level of humidity inside the tank.
The Substrate for Ball Python- Buying Guide
To make your buying decision clearer, here I added some factors that would lead you to buy the best one. Take a look at them.
Clean and Dust-Free
Obviously, you want a clean surface for your boa, not a dusty one. Ensure that the bedding has been washed and refined well to get dust-free surroundings. Don’t forget that, dirty bedding can cause sneezing and respiratory symptoms.
Ease of Cleaning
You need to provide your python with an ideal habitat through the tidy and clean tank. Pets owner has to deal with cleaning every day. If you choose loose substrate for bedding you can easily clean them by throwing the bold parts of poops. Whereas the peeps get absorbed by good bedding, so there is also no hassle of throwing them out.
On the other hand, if you use carpet or paper sort of bedding, you can simply clean them by replacing and washing. But you should keep in mind that, only a good substrate is nicely reusable and highly absorbent. Because of that, select wisely and keep your tank clean and tidy always.
Easy to Use
Let’s not make bedding issue a headache and difficult to handle. Choose something that is ready to use with small efforts. Some substrate only needs some spraying up to expand and ready to go. Whereas, some bedding can take more than a week to get prepared. To wait for that much, you may feel crazy, right? So, keep this in mind if you want to get in trouble.
Maintenance Cost
Substrate or bedding for a ball python is not expensive if you choose wisely. You can achieve a low-cost bedding goal in 2 ways. Firstly, go for the one that can absorb well and lasts longer. And secondly, pick something that is reusable by simply washing them.
Tips and Tricks for Using the Best Substrate or Bedding for Ball Python
Only a good substrate or bedding is not enough for your ball python to be happy. There is something more that you should ensure for them. Let’s read them out.
Expand
Some owner finds setting up coconut substrate difficult. But a simple trick can make the whole process easy. Just keep pouring water in it and break them into pieces. Make the bricks absorb water instead of flooding it. Thus, it will expand automatically, and you don’t have to wait for a long period.
Setting Up
Before prepare bedding inside the enclosures, remove ball python from it. Then spread the stuff all around the surface making some layers. It will make the bed soft and fluffy. While using carpet or paper towels as a substrate, you can make a layer beneath the wall. This practice will keep your pet safe from the heat.
Keep Changing its Bedding
Clean space makes happy faces, so, nothing is better than keeping pets living space clean. Reptiles do great on a clean surface, and it reduces the risk of spreading germs.
The convenient way to spend the least amount of time and yet getting the most effective clean tank is to make a daily routine.
Build a Safe Tank
Generally, the safety of ball python inside the cage depends on a healthy and clean substrate. Bedding with harmful chemicals and sharp corners can lead to serious injury. It may be tempting to utilize sand in the tank, remember that, it is a dangerous choice. Sand can jam the heat-sensing pits and blind your pets. Besides, it is not capable to preserve moisture and creates lots of dust. So, there is also a chance of skin diseases and irritations.
Observe its Changing Habits
Imagine your pet python is sick and you don’t even know. That’s horrible, right? If you don’t want to be late and find your dear one sick, observe its changing habit regularly. Especially, when you change its meal routine or bedding, you have to identify if they are comfortable with these new surroundings or not. However, if you ever detect any serious changes, immediately consult with the vet.
FAQ:
You may face some other issues about bedding or substrate of python. Some of the raised concern regarding the topics is answered here. Check them out.
Well, it depends on the size of the tank. In the market, you’ll find different amounts of this stuff. They are measured by the quart and you can choose the one that could fulfill your existing enclosures. For knowledge, know that some substrates tend to expand. So, before applying them, get the space prepared.
Your innocent pet can try eating sandy or sort of bedding that is made of small size ingredients. Unintentional ingestion may cause serious health issues. However, in this case, using chemical-free or carpet type bedding is safe.
No, but some are designed to reuse. You can simply do it by rinsing and washing them. For example, you can reuse the carpet or towel paper bedding easily. All you have to do is wash it, dry it and use it again.
Final Verdict:
You need to deliver your python with suitable habitat and that includes selecting the proper substrate. I hope the mentioned product above can remove your rush for the best substrate and bedding for ball python. According to the snake’s demands, all these products consider the temperature, humidity along with the extra care they need. Besides, each of these bedding is identified for their own performance and versatility.