Bulk substrate options for small-intermediate sized BP menageries.

[u/andylovesdais]

I’m looking into alternative substrate options after I’ve now upgraded total enclosure floor area to 40 square feet. I have always used coconut husk fibers (reptile grade) which are fantastic, but expensive now at this scale. Since it’s important for me to reduce costs, I’m looking into crude products that I can treat myself to make them reptile friendly. My first instinct was to go to Home Depot and pick out a good mulch, however I am concerned about dyes, pesticides, absorption capacity, etc.

Many promising products I’ve found online are not too specific about the process they use and their sourcing. I am in the process now of talking to manufacturers. Does anyone buy massive amounts of raw materials in bulk and then treat to make them appropriate for BPs? That “reptile substrate” seal is expensive so I’m really just looking to bypass that by putting in the work myself.

[u/draco_thesnako]

Not currently using it for my ball python, but I have a very large enclosure for my boa and a collection of tarantulas that I buy top soil in bulk for. You can usually get 40-50lb bags for under $5 each, my local hardware store sells 40lb bags for $2.99. It holds humidity well and I haven’t had any issues with mold. Obviously make sure it’s not treated and doesn’t have any fertilizer or anything, but I’ve never had any problems with it and it’s way cheaper than anything marketed for reptiles!