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ZicoZ
Snake mite
15 Posts |
 Posted - 05/06/2011 : 17:49:11
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Your views on using plantation soil in a snake viv (BRB) .
I understand that it's ideal in keeping the humidity up but I've also read that it CAN be very messy , getting in the water bowl and all over the snake ( and you when handling) .
Maybe it's only messy if it is kept too dry ?? I really don't know .
Any thoughts on this substrate ??
My second choice would be orchid bark but that may mean feeding the BRB in a separate container so he doesn't swallow the bark with his rat .
Thanks .advice |
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Invalid User
account deleted on request
277 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2011 : 18:37:08
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I hated plantation soil but I'm a bit OCD when it comes to dirt and mess. It got all under my fingernails and just went everywhere. The idea is to use it damp and that made it all the more sticky and messy.
I think I last 2 weeks using it! I then used just a layer of damp moss in the entire RUB, then switched to the kitchen paper and a large damp hide.
Never used orchid bark. |
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ZicoZ
Snake mite
15 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2011 : 20:23:30
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quote:
Originally posted by louise
I hated plantation soil but I'm a bit OCD when it comes to dirt and mess. It got all under my fingernails and just went everywhere. The idea is to use it damp and that made it all the more sticky and messy.
I think I last 2 weeks using it! I then used just a layer of damp moss in the entire RUB, then switched to the kitchen paper and a large damp hide.
Never used orchid bark.
I'm a bit OCD myself as I can't bear to have dirty hands .... dishwashers are a nightmare !! :)
Thanks for taking the time to help out , I'm a. It nervous about my latest snake BRB.
I've only had Corns , Royals and a MB Kingsnake. And they were all 12 babies , this BRB is 12 months old and three foot so it will be my biggest snake and the only one with humidity requirements. |
Edited by - ZicoZ on 05/06/2011 20:27:41 |
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ZicoZ
Snake mite
15 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2011 : 20:25:08
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I actually quite fancy the idea of damp sphagnum moss !!
Would that be ok or would it just be too damp for snaky ?? |
Edited by - ZicoZ on 05/06/2011 20:25:39 |
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Stevie-eff
Snake mite
United Kingdom
43 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2011 : 21:11:53
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I have used plantation soil and agree with Louise's comments, it gets EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!
When wet it sticks to everything and when it is dry it gets all over the place. Its keeps humidity really well but it does have a bit of an odour, not unpleasant but an odour all the same.
I used it for about a month and then went back to orchid bark. it costs more but it so much easier too control mess wise, and it holds the moisture well too. I turn my substate daily and mix it al up so i dont get wet spots that could go mouldy, pay attention to cornersiof the viv.
I use sphagnum moss just in my moist hide box. Once again, moss could get messy if used as substrate for the entire viv. My BRB brings lumps of it out with her if i take her out from her moist box.
This is also my first BRB and i too have experience of keeping corns and royals. I havnt found it too hard to deal with. Just be aware of the effects of moist conditions on vivariums and thier decor, mouldy wooden climbing logs are not good!!!
Good luck with your new BRB!! |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 06/06/2011 : 18:24:08
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Zico, I use paper towel and a moist moss hide myself, but that's partly because I keep 30 of these critters. If I had just one or two I'd probably use a bark product, both as a humidity boost and for looks. As you already noted, so long as you are careful when feeding, you should be fine.
Good luck! |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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Advice on orchid bark and plantation soil please.
