Substrate question

[Eric]

First, let me say thank you to everyone who has reponded to all of the questions being asked on this forum. It's great to get insight into the care of our reptiles. I love reading all of the questions and answers that are presented. I know there are a lot of varied opinions regarding substrate and there is no right or wrong one to use other than the common two that are harmful to snakes. I am currently using indoor/outdoor carpet. I spray it with bleach/antibacterial soap solution that I mix. I let it stand for about 20 minutes then rinse and hang it. After it dries I spray it with lysol and allow it to air out. Is this okay? Is there a better way of cleaning it. I like it because it seems easier and faster to clean the cage and it is attractive to look at. I spend a great deal of time trying to learn all that I can to ensure the best health for my snake. Any response would be appreciated as always. Thanks.

[diablo]

Re: Substrate question

that sound bout right i dont think you really have to spray lyson bleach and soap will do it i imagine just bleach will do it but soap is ok too just let it dry out for a while and rinse it down good with water..

[Damian]

Re: Substrate question

i have been using carpet in my ball python cage for almost 7 years now. to clean it i use an anti bacterial soap. i also always keep two pieces of it handy so i have a nice clean piece ready when she makes a mess. all my other cages i use cypruss mulch.

[Fonzy]

Re: Substrate question

I also use the carpet in both of my RTB cages. It is the easiest to clean and just like Damian said, it's nice to have two pieces so that you can make the swap right then and there and your snake instantly has a clean cage again!!

[stormyva]

Re: Substrate question

I like Cypress for the smaller snakes, on our bigger BCI I use newspaper. (We found that the big pile of poo that a 6' BCI leaves is a little more difficult to clean in Cypress than that of the smaller snakes.)

[Red]

Re: Substrate question

Well I would not use lysol...  Hell that stuff is even bad for humans...   :P
You have to be real carful when you use chimcles...
I personly just use news paper...  but if you use carpet I would clean with anti-bacteral soap..  then just wash it on hot...  That should work fine...  You are kinda over doing it...
I hope this helps...
Eric aka...Red

[ClayEnglish]

Re: Substrate question

You are correct about the many opinions.. I believe it is more preference than opinion.. I really think people end up using what works the best for them....

For example.. take me.. ;D

Newspaper and cypress both work extremely well for me, because it is disposable when soiled... And I can burn where I live so it is easy to dispose of...

The carpet substrate would be a shear nightmare for me just due to the number of cages and the cleaning required to have those spares ready ;D

Doesn't mean that newspaper is better than carpet, just more convienient for me.

Find that right working formula for you and go with it.

[Eric]

Re: Substrate question

Thanks for all the imput. I will discontinue the use of lysol.

[Red]

Re: Substrate question

Ya that is a good Idea...
gota lov' all the info you get when you ask.. huh..
Eric aka....Red

[XzyluM]

Re: Substrate question

Lysol should definately be avoided at all costs. Like Red said, be extra careful with chemicals you use, many are fatal and can result in ailments. Bleach and soap is fine if you rinse well several times and let it completely air out. I use cypress because it works best for me. I always cure the substrate before using it either with a bleach and water solution, baking, or using a spray or alternative spray such as Sawyer's.