Then you need to give it some good snake bedding.
The good news is: they’re not that picky. You can fill their enclosure with newspaper or paper towels and they will be happy.
But there are better options than those two.
Options that help regulate humidity and that allow your snake to burrow and to generally feel more like it is in its natural environment.
We’re going to take a look at the best snake substrates on the market and help you find the best one for your particular snake.
We’ll start with a comparison table, then go into a brief buyer’s guide that covers the pros and cons of each type of bedding to help you figure out which type is best for your snake. Then we’ll finish with brief reviews of each specific substrate featured in the comparison table.
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Snake Substrates Compared
- 2 Snake Bedding Buyer’s Guide
- 3 Best Snake Bedding Reviewed
- 4 Best Bedding For Snakes: Final Thoughts
Best Snake Substrates Compared
Snake Bedding Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to substrates for snakes, it is not as easy as naming one the best and recommending that one to everyone. Different snakes have different requirements and the different types of substrates have different strengths and weaknesses.
The first step is to determine what you snake need. These are the two main questions you should ask yourself, because the answers will go a long way toward determining which type of bedding is best for your snake.
- Does your snake like to burrow?
- Does you snake need a humid environment?
Armed with that information, let’s take a look at the most common types of bedding for snakes, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Best Substrates For Snakes
The following are all good types of bedding to use for snakes, along with all the info you need to decide if each is right for you. In many cases, mixing two or more substrate would actually yield the best results.
For example, mixing coconut fiber with aspen shavings is great for burrowing snakes. The aspen is great for burrowing and the added coconut fiber makes up for the aspens lack of moisture absorption.
Cypress Mulch
Cypress mulch is probably the best type of snake bedding overall. It is comfortable, it looks good and it even smells nice. It is great for burrowing snakes and it is also easy to clean. It also retains moisture well, making it great for snakes that need more humidity.
But it has drawbacks as well. Snakes aren’t the only creatures that like cypress mulch. Mites love it too. This a always a problem with any wood based mulch. When you first open the bag of mulch, it is a good idea to boil it, to kill any mites or eggs. Freezing it for a few days also works
Advantages
- Great for burrowing
- Great for maintaining humidity
- Natural look and feel
- Easy to clean
Disadvantages
- Mites thrive in cypress mulch
Coconut Fiber Or Chips
Coconut fiber is another comfortable bedding, but because it is so small and soft, it is generally better suited for small snakes. For larger species, you can use coconut chips instead.
This substrate is also good at keeping odors in check. It also hold humidity well, making it good for high-humidity snakes, if you add moisture to it. If you leave it dry, it work well for snake-dwelling species, too.
Coconut bedding is easy to clean, but the fiber version can get dusty, which might make you sneeze or trigger allergies. The chip version is a bit easier on the nose.
Advantages
- Great for maintaining humidity
- Natural look and feel
- Also good for low-humidity snakes
- Easy to clean
Disadvantages
- Not great for burrowing
- Can get dusty
Aspen Shavings
Aspen shavings are the best substrate for burrowing. Like other wood beddings, they are good at controlling odors, but also susceptible to mites. Aspen shavings are not good for high humidity, since they can get moldy easily.
The fine particles can also get underneath the scales of larger snakes and cause irritation, so we would only use this for smaller snakes. Make sure the brand you choose is natural and does not use any dyes or other chemicals.
We actually recommend combining aspen shavings with coconut husk for snakes that need humid conditions, but also like to burrow. That way you get the best of both worlds.
Advantages
- Best bedding for burrowing
- Natural look and feel
- Odor control
Disadvantages
- Not good for large snakes
- Not good in humid environments
- Can get dusty
Fir Bark
Fir bark is another wood-based substrate and makes a good alternative to cypress mulch. They are very similar. As such, it is also susceptible to mites, but works great as bedding. It retains humidity well, is good for burrowing and keeps odors at bay. It is also easy to clean up.
Advantages
- Great for burrowing
- Great for maintaining humidity
- Natural look and feel
- Easy to clean
Disadvantages
- Mites thrive in fir bark
Artificial Turf Or Carpet
Artificial turf and carpeting can work well, but they have some obvious disadvantages that make them suitable only for certain species. Turf is preferable to carpet, since it mimics grass, but carpet scraps are generally cheaper.
The biggest disadvantage is that they obviously do not allow for burrowing, making them bad choices for snakes that like to dig. They also do nothing for humidity levels. Another problem is that they will absorb the odor of feces and urine over time.
You should always have at least 2 sets available, so that you can swap them out when one gets soiled to wash it. Even if you wash it well and immediately after the “incident”, a little bit of the smell sticks each time and it will keep growing. Eventually, you will have to completely replace the carpet or turf.
Advantages
- Can be washed and reused multiple times (but not indefinitely)
- Easy to clean
Disadvantages
- Will start to smell
- Does not allow burrowing
- Does not absorb moisture or help in regulating humidity
Newspaper Or Paper Towels
Newspaper is the cheapest option by far. Paper towels are similar, but end up costing about the same as other types of bedding.
Paper-based substrate is easy to clean (simply replace it), but it does not allow for burrowing and is obviously very susceptible to moisture. It also doesn’t look great in the enclosure, which may or may not matter to you.
Advantages
- Newspaper is free
- Easy to clean
Disadvantages
- Does not allow burrowing
- Will need to be replaced if it gets too wet, so it does nothing for humidity regulation
Substrates To Avoid
Some substrates are simply unsuitable for snakes, generally because they can cause health issues.
Pine And Cedar
Scientific testing has shown that pine or cedar tree substrates can be harmful to snakes. They can develop skin problems and respiratory infections, due to fumes given off by the cedar or pine chips or shavings. In the wild, these would just dissipate, but inside an enclosure, they can’t escape and cause your snake harm.
Sand
Do not use sand for your snake enclosure. When your snake eats, or even just moves around, the sand can get in its mouth and nose which can cause impaction. Impaction is when sand or another small substrate enters the snake’s mouth and fills up its stomach. The snake cannot regurgitate this and could eventually die.
Some argue that certain snakes live in the sand in the wild, so they are fine to live in it in captivity as well. It is, after all, a natural substance that they are already used to.
We disagree with that line of reasoning.
Snakes in the wild are not forced to live on the sand all the time. If they want to move, they can go to a rock or to some other feature that gives them a break from the sand. A lot of the time they also move across grass etc.
In an enclosure, they have to live on the sand all the time. I have actually noticed that snakes that live on sand hardly ever sit in it. They seem to spend most of their time in other areas, like the hide.
Calci Sand
This is even worse than regular sand. Far worse. We strongly recommend not using it. Calci Sand was originally formulated so that the snake can lick calcium out of the sand, but all this does is result in more sand swallowed and a much greater risk of impaction. It can also result in your snake getting too much calcium.
Crushed Walnut Shells
Although this bedding looks and feels soft and is a great choice at first glance, there is one big problem with it. Some of the tiny cut shells are very sharp and can cut into the snake’s skin. And if your snake were to accidentally swallow some of these sharp bits, it could cause severe internal damage.
How To Keep Snakes From Swallowing Bedding
A common problem with wood-based or coconut bedding, especially the smaller stuff, is snakes swallowing it, which can lead to impaction. This generally happens when the snake is eating and accidentally grabs some substrate, while snatching the food.
While you can’t avoid this altogether, you can take measures to make it less likely. One way to do that is to put the food on a plate or tray for the snake, instead of directly on the substrate. Another is to present the food with a pair of tongs like these, so that the snake can snatch it out of the air.
Now lets take a closer look at each of the substrates from our comparison table above.
Best Snake Bedding Reviewed
What follows are brief reviews of the top snake beddings on the market. These are all the products that were featured in the comparison table above.
Zoo Med Forest Floor Cypress Mulch Bedding
Cypress mulch is the best overall substrate for snakes and this pack by Zoo Med is the best option on the market. It looks and feels natural and is great for regulating humidity and for burrowing snakes.
The primary drawback is that mites love it, too (as they do all wood-based beddings). For that reason, we recommend baking it for an hour to kill any mites and mite eggs, before putting in in the terrarium.
Pros
- Great bedding for burrowing
- Absorbs moisture well, making it great for humid terrariums environments
- Natural look and feel that snakes love
- It holds on to humidity well if sprayed with a little bit of water
Cons
- Tends to attract mites
Product Questions
Do I need to bake this in the oven before putting it in the enclosure to kill any mites?
Generally, you won’t find any mites in it, but it can happen. If you want to be safe, boil it before use, or freeze it for a few days. Some recommend baking it, but boiling is better. Baking degrades it too much.
How long would one 24 quart bag last for a 20 gallon long tank?
24 quarts is enough for a 75 gallon terrarium, or 60 gallon if you make the substrate extra deep. So you should be able to fill a 20 gallon tank at least 3 times with one bag. Assuming you replace the substrate entirely every month, that means it would last at least 3 months.
Will it keep plants alive?
Yes, cypress mulch is one of the best beddings for plant growth, because it retains moisture so well.
Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fiber Bedding
What can be better than giving your snake a healthy option when it comes to bedding? This product is made out of coconut fiber which many feel is the best substrate for snakes overall.
Coconut fiber has a great texture and almost feels like small dead leaves. It is the perfect bedding for snakes that like to burrow. This particular brand is all-natural, so you snake will not be exposed to any dangerous chemicals or other irritants that can harm it.
Pros
- The product is organic, meaning it will not cause any harm due to dangerous chemicals
- This bedding is a great all-around choice for most snakes.
- It holds on to humidity well if sprayed with a little bit of water
Cons
- This bedding is made from small pieces of coconut husk, so it can get into the snake’s mouth (but it is non-toxic and harmless)
Product Questions
Is this bedding good for Ball Pythons?
Yes, this is one of the best substrates for Ball Pythons. This snake loves to burrow into the bedding so make sure to add a few extra inches and mix in some aspen. You should also dampen the area meant for burrowing.
Is this good bedding to use on its own, without mixing with other types of substrate?
This product does not need to be mixed with any other product, but mixing is always a good idea. As mentioned, if you have a snake that likes to burrow, we recommend mixing it with aspen.
Is this bedding good at holding humidity?
Coconut fiber is great at holding humidity. You can also spray some water onto the bedding for added humidity.
Exo Terra Forest Bark Terrarium Substrate
This bedding is made out of 100% organic fir bark. It is good if you want to get the enclosures as close a possible to the natural habitat for a snake from a tropical or forest habitat.
This bedding is good at holding on to moisture and increasing humidity in the vivarium. It is also an excellent substrate for snakes that like to dig and burrow.
Pros
- This is very good bedding for snakes that need high humidity
- This is not as messy as other beddings
- This bedding will not get stuck in the snake’s mouth, because the wood pieces are a bit larger
Cons
- A bit more expensive and not always available
Product Questions
Is this bedding good for snakes that like low humidity?
Yes, as long as you do not spray any water onto it.
Zoo Med Aspen Snake Bedding
This is one of the most popular snake beddings on the market. Like the previous substrate, it is also organic and not cause any issues with the snake.
This bedding is highly recommended for snakes that like to burrow, because it can retain tunnels in the bedding once inside the enclosure. That is why we recommend mixing this one with the previous one for burrowing snakes. That way you get the benefits of both types.
In fact, due to the poor humidity-retaining properties of this bedding, we generally recommend mixing it with another type, like coconut fiber or chips.
Pros
- This is the best bedding for snakes that like to burrow
- It is easy to find, and remove, snake feces in this bedding
- This bedding is very easy to clean overall
- It absorbs bad smells
Cons
- This bedding does not absorb water well
- Not the best bedding for holding onto humidity
- If you spray water onto the bedding you will find that moss can grow near items in the enclosure, like the water bowl or the hides
- The bedding can get into your nose and make you sneeze, especially if it is very dry
Product Questions
Is this broken up pieces of wood?
No, it is shredding made mostly from wood.
Is it safe to use with a heating pad?
Yes, this works well with any heating pad. Just make sure to put the heater under the tank glass, and not inside the tank, directly touching the substrate.
Does this bedding need to be treated before use?
No, it is treated with steam during the manufacturing process.
ReptiChip Premium Coconut Substrate
This is another substrate that is made from coconut, the best overall material. It uses larger chips than the coconut fiber bedding from Reptile Prime. We ranked it slightly lower, because there can sometimes be other things mixed in with this one, even some plastic.
Apart from that, it is also organic. It is made from coconut filling only, with no chemicals used. Because it uses chips, your snake won’t swallow it as easily. The substrate expands when water is added.
Pros
- The substrate is not too hard when packed, so it is very easy to take only the amount you need
- Very good for holding onto humidity
- This product does not have a chemical smell
- This bedding does not get stuck in the snake’s mouth or nose
Cons
- Coconut bedding is very dusty and it will make you sneeze and can cause your allergies to act up
- Some bags might contain other materials, including plastic, although the manufacturer denies this
Product Questions
Do I have to use the whole bag in one use?
No, of course not. Just seal the remaining substrate up, to protect it from moisture.
How often do I need to completely renew this bedding?
Depending on the size of the snake you will need to do a full clean at least every 3 months, though we generally recommend doing it every one month or so
Does this product hold humidity well?
Yes, it holds humidity extremely well. Coconut is the best choice, if your snake needs more humidity in its enclosure.
Zoo Med Ground Fir Bark
The fact that this is bedding made from tree bark makes it a GREAT option. Because of this, it is very safe for all snake types. This bedding has a great natural feel and look.
Pros
- This bedding is great for holding moisture and increasing humidity
- The bedding is not overly dusty and will not dirty the snake
- This is a very good substrate for your snake to burrow into
- The substrate also smells good and makes the enclosure smell fresh
- When the substrate is sprayed with water it does not get soggy
Cons
- Some packages might have mites in them; if you see small white insects, you can still use it, but you need to boil or freeze it first
Product Questions
Can this bedding have mites or insects straight out of the packet?
Generally no, because it is boiled during the manufacturing process, which kills all insects or eggs. But some buyers have reported mites in theirs, so perhaps not all are boiled.
Can I use this product directly out of the packaging?
Yes, as long as their are no mites in it. If you have a humidity-loving snake, you’ll need to spray some water onto the bedding before it is ready.
Can this product catch on fire?
Not if it is moist. But you should never put any substrate directly on a heater anyway. Always position below-the-tank heaters outside the tank.
Best Bedding For Snakes: Final Thoughts
Before buying any snake, you need to research the type of environment it needs and learn as much as possible about its behavior.
Which type of bedding is best depends largely on whether your snake needs a humid environment and whether it likes to dig holes. How do snakes dig holes? Most don’t actually. They just burrow. But you want to get snake bedding that is perfect for that, if your snake is a burrower.
Once you know these things, you are ready to choose the best substrate for your snake.
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