Proper Bedding for a Pet Snake

Many people enjoy the company of a reptilian friend. Snakes are commonly sold at large pet stores, and make quiet, undemanding pets. Still, there are some important details to consider when setting up your pet snake's habitat, and proper bedding is one of the most important. Knowing what type of bedding works best--as well as what doesn't--is crucial to your pet snake's health and well-being.

  1. Bedding Types

    • There are several options when it comes to a pet snake's bedding, or substrate. Aspen pine shavings make good bedding for most captive snakes, according to the University of Michigan Wildlife and Natural History Museum.

      Sold at many pet stores, Aspen pine substrate provides a soft bedding material for your snake to slither through as well as burrow beneath. Corn snakes and king snakes especially benefit from this type of bedding, since they enjoy burrowing.

      When Aspen pine bedding becomes soiled with urine or feces, it is very absorbent and easy to clean. Be sure to remove soiled bedding as soon as possible to avoid bacteria or fungus growth in your snake's habitat.

    Carpeting and Other Bedding

    • Another option for your pet snake's bedding is outdoor "turf" style carpeting or traditional indoor carpeting. This type of substrate works best for snakes that prefer to "hang around" rather than burrow, such as boas and pythons.

      Melissa Kaplan of Herp Care stresses the importance of washing carpet or turf bedding, as well as letting it dry thoroughly before placing it into your snake's habitat enclosure. Carpet or turf has the advantage of being reusable, and should be cleaned any time it is soiled with feces or urine.

      Paper towels or newsprint without ink can be used for snake bedding in a pinch, although not particularly attractive or easy to work with. If you use either, be sure that they do not have any ink or dye, as these can be harmful to snakes.

    Types of Bedding to Avoid

    • Certain types of reptile bedding are not good for pet snakes. In particular, cedar shavings are not to be used, since they can be toxic to your snake.

      Bedding types known as particulate substrates should avoided for your pet snake's home. These include sand bedding and cat litter, and they can be harmful since the tiny particles can get in your snake's mouth, nostrils or other mucous membranes. When this happens, the particles can become impacted and cause serious harm to the snake.

      When in doubt, contact your veterinarian about the bedding best suited for your snake's needs. Caring for a snake is a responsibility, and using the proper bedding will go a long way in keeping your companion reptile safe and comfortable.