The 10 Best Substrates and Beddings for Ball Pythons
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Ball pythons make wonderful pets, especially when compared to other reptiles. Not only are they very gentle by nature, but they remain fairly small and are relatively undemanding when it comes to their care.
You do, however, need to provide your python with an ideal habitat and that includes choosing the right substrate to help keep the tank tidy and clean.
In this article, we’ll talk about decorating your ball python tank and provide some tips for choosing the best ball python substrate and bedding. You’ll also see our top 10 picks for the best ball python substrate and bedding.
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Quick Navigation
Compare Best Substrates And Beddings For Ball Pythons
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Best Affordable
3. Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Reptile Substrate |
Best Eco Friendly
5. Zoo Med Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber Expandable Reptile Substrate |
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|
Materials
Aspen |
Materials
Cypress mulch |
Materials
Coconut fiber |
Materials
Coconut fiber |
Materials
Coconut fiber |
Materials
Aspen |
Materials
Aspen |
Materials
Douglas fir bark |
Materials
Cypress mulch |
Materials
Coconut |
|
Capacity
24 quart |
Capacity
24 quart |
Capacity
8 quarts |
Capacity
24 quarts |
Capacity
24 liters |
Capacity
8 quarts |
Capacity
8 cubic feet |
Capacity
3 lbs. |
Capacity
8 quarts |
Capacity
21 quarts |
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Key Features
Absorbent, controls odor, fine texture |
Key Features
Absorbs moisture, natural |
Key Features
Natural, absorbent, odor control |
Key Features
Retains humidity, fine, absorbent |
Key Features
Eco-friendly, expandable, absorbent |
Key Features
Absorbent, non-toxic, odor control |
Key Features
Absorbent, non-toxic, dust-free |
Key Features
Natural, absorbent |
Key Features
Absorbent, non-toxic |
Key Features
Odor control, organic, non-toxic |
What To Look For In Substrate And Bedding For Ball Pythons?
There are a number of different beddings and substrates that would work well in a ball python tank, so consider the other elements you have in place to make the right choice. If you need to boost humidity, choose a substrate that will absorb and hold moisture.
If you’re simply looking for something easy to clean and replace, consider shredded paper or paper towels. There are plenty of options to think about.
Here are some important things to look for in ball python substrate:
- Natural and non-toxic. Look for a bedding or substrate made from all-natural or non-toxic materials. The last thing you want to do is add something to your tank that might harm your pet.
- Absorbent materials. Part of the reason to include substrate in your python tank is to absorb liquid waste and odors to keep the cage looking and smelling clean.
- Soft texture. Even though your ball python is protected by a layer of scales, its skin can still be sensitive to rough materials, so don’t choose anything that might harm your snake.
- Maintains humidity. Ball pythons require a warm and humid environment, so choose a substrate that will help retain humidity as you mist the take daily to add moisture.
Our Top Picks For The Best Substrates and Beddings for Ball Pythons
Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a ball python substrate, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 10 picks for the best ball python beddings and substrates.
Zoo Med Aspen Snake Bedding
Product Info
- Materials: Aspen
- Capacity: 24 quart
- Key Features: Absorbent, controls odor, fine texture
- All-natural materials and very fine texture
- Absorbs moisture and odor very well
- Low risk for impaction if accidentally ingested
- Can be a little messy due to fine texture
- May mold with excessive moisture for long periods
Zoo Med Forest Floor Natural Cypress Mulch Reptile Bedding
Product Info
- Materials: Cypress mulch
- Capacity: 24 quart
- Key Features: Absorbs moisture, natural
- All-natural cypress mulch, safe for snakes
- Creates the natural look of the forest floor
- Absorbs moisture to retain humidity, resistant to mold
- May dry out over time, won’t hold moisture as well
- Texture is a little rough for burrowing at first
Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Reptile Substrate
Product Info
- Materials: Coconut fiber
- Capacity: 8 quarts
- Key Features: Natural, absorbent, odor control
- Fine texture is safe and good for burrowing
- Retains moisture and humidity well and is highly resistant to mold
- Highly affordable price for large bag
- Can be a little messy due to fine texture
- May retain too much moisture for some tanks
Reptile Prime Coconut Fiber Bedding Substrate
Product Info
- Materials: Coconut fiber
- Capacity: 24 quarts
- Key Features: Retains humidity, fine, absorbent
- Superior humidity retention capability
- Breaks down odor and waste products
- Can be used dry or wet for snake habitats
- Fine texture can be a little bit messy
- Some customers found it in the snake’s mouth
Zoo Med Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber Expandable Reptile Substrate
Product Info
- Materials: Coconut fiber
- Capacity: 24 liters
- Key Features: Eco-friendly, expandable, absorbent
- Compressed bedding bricks save space
- Each brick expands 7 to 8 liters
- Made from eco-friendly renewable resource
- Bricks need to be expanded by hand
- Fine texture after separating can be messy
Galapagos Aspen Digs Natural Aspen Reptile Bedding
Product Info
- Materials: Aspen
- Capacity: 8 quarts
- Key Features: Absorbent, non-toxic, odor control
- High absorbency, helps control odors
- Made from sustainable timber by-products
- Washed and sieved for a dust-free bedding
- Can be a little messy due to fine texture
- Might get in snake’s mouth, but should pass easily
Kaytee Aspen Small Animal Bedding
Product Info
- Materials: Aspen
- Capacity: 8 cubic feet
- Key Features: Absorbent, non-toxic, dust-free
- All-natural aspen shavings, no oils or inks
- Processed specially to remove dust and debris
- Soft texture is ideal for burrowing reptiles
- Larger shavings than dedicated reptile bedding
- Somewhat more expensive than other options
Super Moss Orchid Potting Bark
Product Info
- Materials: Douglas fir bark
- Capacity: 3 lbs.
- Key Features: Natural, absorbent
- Made from organic, sustainable bark
- Highly absorbent, helps retain moisture
- 100% natural and organic materials
- Not specifically designed for reptiles
- May be a little rougher than some beddings
Galapagos (05054) Cypress Tank Mulch Forest Floor Bedding
Product Info
- Materials: Cypress mulch
- Capacity: 8 quarts
- Key Features: Absorbent, non-toxic
- High absorbency, helps retain humidity
- Comes from a sustainable timber by-product
- 100% safe and free from chemicals, oils, parasites
- Larger pieces can be a little bit sharp
- Not as soft or fine in texture as some options
Critters Comfort Coconut Reptile Bedding Organic Substrate
Product Info
- Materials: Coconut
- Capacity: 21 quarts
- Key Features: Odor control, organic, non-toxic
- Made from 100% organic coconut materials
- Non-toxic, dust-free, and resists mold
- Superior odor control, breaks down waste
- Fine texture can be a little messy
- Can be clumpy at first, needs to be separated by hand
Tips For Setting Up A Ball Python Cage
The first thing you need to do before setting up your ball python cage is, of course, to choose the perfect tank. Consider your python’s current size as well as its adult size and make a responsible choice. From there, you can then start thinking about the equipment and decorations you need to set up the tank.
Here are some simple tips for setting up your ball python cage:
- Choose a cage large enough to comfortably accommodate your python and its natural behaviors – aim for 6 to 12 square feet of space for an adult ball python. The length of the cage should be at least the length of the snake from nose to tail tip.
- When choosing a tank for your ball python, remember that these snakes don’t tend to climb much so width and length dimensions are more important than height. Low branches provide enrichment.
- Install the proper lighting system to keep the tank warm – avoid anything overly bright, however, because ball pythons are nocturnal and won’t like extremely bright lighting.
- Put your lights on a timer so your python has a simulated day/night cycle with 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness.
- Install heating elements t keep the ambient temperature in the mid-70s with a hotter basking area around 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Choose the right substrate for your ball python that will help maintain humidity and will be easy to remove for cleaning.
- Add the necessarily accessories and decorations to your ball python tank – you’ll want to include at least two hiding places (one on each side of the tank) as well as a water bowl and things for your snake to climb, should it choose to.
Now that you have a better idea how to set up and decorate your ball python cage, you can see the role bedding and substrate play. Take what you’ve learned here and put it into play to choose the best bedding and substrate for your ball python tank.
Final Remarks
Depending on the type of tank you have and your other decorations, you may be able to get by without a significant amount of bedding. Just remember, however, that adding substrate or bedding to your ball python tank makes it easier to contain messes and it makes it a little bit more comfortable for your pet. If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for ball python substrate, try out one of the top 10 best ball python substrates we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!
