good NEWS!
- Thread starter da_illest
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No, you don't have to....and its really not recommended. Shredded aspen is really the best substrate for KSBs.......the commercial sand out there can get in their scales and nostrils....or if swallowed can cause impaction. In the wild they do not live on sand dunes, but instead they will often inhabit abandoned burrows or hide underneath rock flats.Originally posted by MrT
That's cool dude.
I guess you have to put a sand boa in sand?
Looking for those pics. real soon.
Good luck with him.
Ern
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Funny but I seem to recall seeing them caught in the wild and yes they were dug up out of sandy terrain. Not only that but many folks keep them on sand and have for years with zero problems whatsoever. While they don't live on sand dunes they do burrow through a sandy soil and sand comes a lot closer to that than aspen does.
While I will say aspen wont harm them sand wont either so it's up to personal prefference.
Phil
While I will say aspen wont harm them sand wont either so it's up to personal prefference.
Phil
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Do what you please, I am merely offering advice. Better safe than sorry is my motto.
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On the topic of sand as a substrate I felt this should be added. You will often hear of sand being potentially harmful and getting into the scales of snakes and therefore not being a suitable substrate. This is pure BS for most colubrids as well as for many other snake species. Bob Applegate has been keeping and breeding snakes for longer than many folks have and guess what he has used for years. That's right sand and with absolutely no ill effects. Now this isn't some fly by night newbie that's used and gotten away with it but one of the most respected names in the hobby. I'll go ya one better than that he actually keeps kings and milks together that's right more than one in a tank. gasp
What this boils down to is that if done properly many of the so called non acceptable things aren't bad at all. With the sand it is best to not feed them on it as impaction can occur although the risk is still pretty low. As to the housing together it is best if only done with adults and even then they must be kept well fed and fed seperately but it can and has been done for many many years with great success.
Just because you read on a caresheet or two where something is bad or good don't immediately buy into it until you have either experienced it yourself or know someone reputable that has. There is far more bad info floating around on herps than there is good.
Phil
What this boils down to is that if done properly many of the so called non acceptable things aren't bad at all. With the sand it is best to not feed them on it as impaction can occur although the risk is still pretty low. As to the housing together it is best if only done with adults and even then they must be kept well fed and fed seperately but it can and has been done for many many years with great success.
Just because you read on a caresheet or two where something is bad or good don't immediately buy into it until you have either experienced it yourself or know someone reputable that has. There is far more bad info floating around on herps than there is good.
Phil
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David
Not trying to shoot ya down bud but merely pointing out what I have learned not by reading a caresheet and assuming that qualifies me to speak on the topic but by hands on experience. There is a world of difference in the two.
Phil
Not trying to shoot ya down bud but merely pointing out what I have learned not by reading a caresheet and assuming that qualifies me to speak on the topic but by hands on experience. There is a world of difference in the two.
Phil
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Ive kept my sand boas on crushed walnut shell with no problem..in fact they didnt like the aspen (I think because it wasnt heavy enough and didnt make them feel safe) and I thought sand was too dusty so I tried the walnut shells and they love it...gives them the weight over them that makes them feel safe and is easy for them to burrow through. I put in a low tupperwear to feed them in and when they're done they just crawl out into the shell again. Everyone has their own way, and if it works stick with it.
I was told to use that ground up Corn Cob stuff too by a breeder, he says if they do ingest it it is digestable. so theres another idea for you.
Michelle
I was told to use that ground up Corn Cob stuff too by a breeder, he says if they do ingest it it is digestable. so theres another idea for you.
Michelle
I have kept a trio of sand boas sucessfully for about 5 years now with zero problems in a simple 20 gallon with around 2 inches of sand, a 75 watt UV heat bulb, and a heat pad on one side.
Whatever it is, its working great. These have been the hardiest snakes ive ever kept.
Whatever it is, its working great. These have been the hardiest snakes ive ever kept.