Snake Bedding & Substrate

Snake Bedding and Substrate 

If you’re the pet parent of a wriggly reptile, you’ll need to find a snake substrate to line the bottom of their habitat. There are many options for substrate that accommodate your pet’s comfort and required humidity levels, but you should also consider which snake bedding works well for you. After all, as their pet parent, you’ll be the one cleaning and replacing substrate that becomes soiled with their urine and feces, so choose an option that makes this chore easier for you. 

But first, consider what type of snake substrate will be a good fit for your particular pet species. Since these reptiles have limited vision compared to others, their sense of smell is heightened. That means that bedding containing artificial dyes or dust can irritate your snake’s sensitive Jacobson’s organ.  

Next, research what substrate will closely mimic your snake’s natural environment. Ball python bedding will be different from a Kenyan sand boa substrate because they come from contrasting settings. The former may do better with wood bedding, while the latter will likely prefer sand. Also, consider whether your snake enjoys burrowing, as a looser substrate is typically better for these pets.  

Snake bedding can also affect the humidity levels in your pet’s habitat. Bedding made of wood can retain urine better than sand, but it produces moisture under a basking lamp. This can be bad news for pets needing dryer conditions in their snake tanks and terrariums and can lead to illness. Alternatively, you can choose a combination of coconut fiber and HydroBalls to create a moist tropical environment for snakes who thrive under these conditions. 

Finally, choose a substrate that fits your time and budget for cleaning up after your pet. If you’re looking for corn snake substrate but don’t enjoy sifting through traditional forms of bedding for excretions, consider a terrarium liner. This nonabrasive, carpet-like material can be removed, washed and reused to help save you time and effort. For more ways to help care for this type of reptile, check out our fact-filled Corn Snake Care Sheet.