What Is the Best Bedding for Snakes?

There are many things to consider when selecting the proper bedding for your snake, including ease of cleaning, moisture retention and safety. Different snake species have different requirements, so be sure to research the specific needs of your snake.

  1. Newspaper or Paper Towels

    • Using newspaper or paper towels to line your snake cage is by far the most convenient method. They are inexpensive and can be easily removed and replaced when soiled. While they work well for many species, they do not retain moisture for species that require high humidity, nor do they provide burrowing for fossorial species. Many keepers opt for a bedding that appears more natural than newspaper and paper towels.

    Artificial Turf

    • A more attractive option than newspaper is artificial turf or outdoor carpeting. You can purchase this at nearly any hardware or garden store and cut it to the size of your snake's enclosure. Many keepers cut multiple pieces for each tank, then simply change them when they are soiled. Artificial turf can be scrubbed with a stiff brush, then machine washed and reused. The disadvantages to turf are the same as newspaper: no moisture retention, no burrowing opportunities and an unnatural appearance.

    Aspen or Cyprus

    • Two of the most popular bedding choices among snake keepers are aspen shavings and cyprus mulch. These two wood products have a natural appearance and are nontoxic. Both can be fully digested if your snake accidentally swallows pieces while feeding. Cyprus mulch retains moisture to maintain humidity in an enclosure, and both substrates allow snakes to burrow and hide. When they are soiled you can simply spot-clean by removing only the soiled areas and do a complete bedding change once every month. You can purchase both at any pet store, and cyprus mulch can sometimes be found more cheaply at garden centers.

    Sand

    • Sand is a popular substrate for certain species of snake that spend most of their time buried in it, such as sand boas. Sand has a natural appearance and provides the perfect burrowing for desert snakes. However, regular sand can be dangerous if it is ingested by snakes during feeding. It cannot be digested by the snakes and can lead to a dangerous and potentially deadly condition called impaction. To prevent this, there are several brands of sand available in pet stores that are digestible and safe for snakes, making this an ideal bedding for some desert species.

    Don't Use Cedar or Pine

    • Cedar and pine shavings are a commonly available bedding for small mammals like hamsters, but should never be used for snakes. Both of these products can be toxic to snakes, and may cause illness or death if they are swallowed during feeding. Aspen shavings or cyprus mulch are much better choices for keepers who want a natural wood product.