Ball Python Substrate

Interested in purchasing a ball python for sale online? Before making your purchase be sure to read our care sheet on ball python substrate so you can learn proper care.

Snakes prefer porous substrate (such as mulch) because it retains moisture so it keeps the humidity high. Aspen shavings are a popular choice. It is easy to spot clean and replace entirely.

Newspaper is used by many too. It is popular to use as ball python substrate because it is readily available and cheap. Snakes can’t easily burrow in newspaper so it is best for species that don’t burrow in the wild.

The best beddings for ball pythons are coconut husks, aspen shavings, peat moss, cypress mulch, artificial turf and orchid bark.

Sand should never be used as ball python substrate It can get underneath the snakes scales and cause skin problems and irritation.  Looking for something smaller? check out our corn snake for sale section!

When you first purchase your snake use newspaper as substrate so you can visibly see if there are any mites on the snake.

Ball python enclosures should be cleaned frequently with a 5% bleach solution, then be allowed to air dry. The snakes typically go to the bathroom only 1-2 times a week, so spot cleaning frequently is easy. Change the substrate completely every 1-2 months.

Clean all cage surfaces with soap and hot water, and rinse well. Wash all decorations and nondisposable substrate, such as indoor/outdoor carpet, with hot, soapy water.

ball python substrate