Pros and Cons and Pricing of substrates
The type of substrate you choose should be based on your budget, the species of your animal, and the enclosure you plan on using it in. If the substrate you choose does not hold humidity well you can always make your snake a hide box to put into their enclosure.
When choosing a substrate always keep in mind there is always a chance of ingestion, which can cause problems with digestion.
First and foremost, there are a few substrates to steer clear of. Cedar and pine substrates can contain things called aromatics, which can be slightly toxic. They have been known to increase skin irritations, and respiratory infections.
Here I am going to list a few substrates, starting with the cheapest, and share a few pros and cons of each of them.
Newspaper:
This is the cheapest and most popular substrate, its very easy to switch out and clean up. With that said, it is not easy to spot clean, it is not absorbent at all, and it is not natural looking.
Price: free (or very cheap in bulk)
Coconut Fiber Block:
This substrate holds humidity VERY well, it is great for burrowers, it has a naturalistic look, and it controls odor well. This block comes in block form so there is a little extra work involved, you will have to soak it in warm water (for it to break apart and expand) and then you need to let it air dry. It is also messy, its like dirt, it gets everywhere.
Price: It is very reasonably priced at about .47 cents per liter
Zoo Med Aspen shavings:
This substrate is low dust, and its great when it comes to absorbency, and it is great for burrowing species. It does not hold humidity very well, so it wouldn’t be good for tropical species. It is also pretty hard to spot clean.
Price: It costs around .79 cents per liter.
Loose Coconut Fiber:
This is the same product as the Block Coconut Fiber except it comes already expanded, so no extra work is required, that is why it is more expensive. Like the block it is great for holding humidity, great for burrowers, very absorbent, controls odors great, and naturalistic looking. It is not reusable like other substrates and it can be messy.
Price: Because it is already expanded unlike the block, it costs more, around $1.15 per liter.
Zoo Med Forest Floor:
This substrate is made from cypress, it holds humidity and can be used for dry or tropical species. It has a natural look and it is absorbent, it has low dust. It can become compact, so it is not great for burrowers.
Price: It costs about $1.15 per liter.
Zoo Med Repti-Bark
This substrate is made from Fir trees, it looks natural, and it is advertised as reusable (soak it in hot water every few months and only replace it every year). It does not hold humidity well, and is not great for burrowers, and does not absorb waste very well.
Price: It costs about $1.19 per liter.
Care Fresh Natural Bedding:
This is the most expensive substrate on my list, it is low on dust and a very high absorbency and high odor control, and is very easy for burrowing. It doesn’t look natural and it also doesn’t hold humidity.
Price: It costs about $1.28 per liter.
In Conclusion:
Based on price, pros, and cons the substrate that would do best all around (if you don’t mind the extra work) would be the Coconut Fiber Block. The price is hard to beat, and the Pros outweigh all of the other substrates. BUT, remember, it all comes down to personal preference, and how much work you are willing to put into substrate.
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