Why Aspen is a Bad Pet Reptile Substrate! (Aspen Wood Shavings) 

*sees title and looks at my 4 snakes living on aspen* Me: *chuckles* I'm in danger

what is this. why does Alex have a new shirt. is this actually the goherping channel ?? or did i go on the wrong one ????

When you’re not going to get a reptile for at least another 5 years but you’re still here... because... just because. You can still dream.

Alex your shirt is very distracting. I'm used to grey and this is frightening me.

"aspen is made from, believe it or not, aspen"

The people who are talking about how it never molds, need to be reminded of climate and spore differences. Some places things mold within days. Other places it almost never molds.

The extreme reluctance to mention Brian and his products was real.

Alex: *Puts effort into a video with legitimate talking points and good information* Comments: sHiRt!

That was a roller coaster of a life for Bob, at least he knew that Coyote Peterson is a man of culture as shown at 0:15

why is no one mentioning how nice alex’s shirt is.... edit: nevermind

Bob has a mental breakdown

Fun fact: Apsen groves are often one giant organism and are all connected by one root system. Some are even believed to be miles large. So one Aspen forest could easily be, one giant tree. They are also believed to be extremely old organisms because the trees above ground may die but the root system stays alive. It's very common for a system to be 5,000 years old. There is one thought to maybe be 80,000 years old.

R.I.P. Bob and his noodle At least he had his Gucci

I've had my California king snake on aspen for ~15 and haven't experienced most of the issues you seem to have! I spot clean regularly and never experienced molding, even around the water dish. She shed's beautifully, never been sick her entire life. The aspen I use is made for small animals, a Canadian brand, it's not sharp at all. I'm always surprised by the difference in quality between American products and Canadian made products... Sorry aspen hasn't worked out for you!

Anyone else catch the glimpse of Coyote Peterson on Bob's TV😂

Never had any trouble keeping my corn snakes on aspen. I even kept potted plants in their enclosures and never had any mold, even when the pots leaked a little water. However, I've got them in bio-active enclosures now because I like the whole ecosystem thing and seeing my snakes in a more naturalistic environment.

I was the owner of the retic he’s talking about. It wasn’t laziness that made us keep him in a dry environment, we took Jigsaw to 2 different vets and tried different antibiotics both times, as well as consulted many breeders about his RI. Both vets told us to keep his tank as dry as possible because the humidity was causing the infections. Before that we had him on Cyprus mulch. We tried our best with him and were scared that his infection wasn’t healing properly because of us and finding information on it was extremely difficult. We made the difficult decision to give him to Emerald Scales and I’m so happy he’s doing well and he’s healed. But please, don’t think we were lazy. We spent hundreds on him trying to fix it and we realized we were out of our depth and did was we thought was best.

R.I.P Bob and his snake

I had my Honduran Milk Snake on mostly Coco fiber until we were gifted some Aspen when we upgraded his tank. We switched him over to Aspen and he's way more active and loves digging through it, so I think I'm gonna stick with it. I still use Coco fiber for my ball python though, so it's not all or nothing. Pick the best substrate for your specific animal's needs. With that said, if there are any recommendations for light substrate that holds its shape I'd love to hear some. He likes Aspen, but I think it looks kind of ugly....

last time i was this early alex was still coughing up calci sand 😌

Go herping- "the world will not explode" 2020- "am I a joke to you?"

I once put my gopher snake on ecoearth because he loves to burrow. But I put him back on aspen because the ecoearth was getting in his nostrils and mouth. I just want my boi to dig...

Alex: you'll see comments about the humid hide Comments: *New Shirt and BOB*

My family recently changed from aspen to bark, cypress, and dry moss for our corn snake. He has definitely seems much happier. btw, I love ur vids man. keep it up!

I have a rescue ball python who was kept on aspen for 8 years. Unfortunately this has led to him having some pretty nasty dehydration issues. It’s taken about 6 months but he’s doing much better now (aspen wasn’t the only issue) he is currently on a mix of cypress mulch, coconut husk and sphagnum moss. My corn snake is on aspen and does appear to be doing well, it holds tunnels nicely for him, easy to spot clean and I haven’t had any issues with mould. Perhaps I will look into some other options for him, I’ve heard of some people using lignocel or auboise and having good success with their corns on these substrates. I personally do not like coconut fibre, I’ve seen a few ball pythons get their heat pits stuffed with it which freaks me out but there are plenty of other options out there.

I think we all appreciate seeing Goby again!!!

*Glances at my Sand Boa's enclosure with aspen* Edit: I feel like a lot of this comes from people just not researching what works best for their reptiles. I haven't personally had any issues with the aspen yet aside from the dust and the fact that it gets EVERYWHERE but I might switch to coconut for a while to see if it works better

Im going to switch over from aspen to coconut fiber now. I have had some problems with my ball pythons shed and for some reason did not associate the problems with the aspen

my leopard gecko do be lovin his paper towel

Hello,my name is something .I came from Malaysia .For your information,I've been loving the reptiles ever since I saw you on youtube.I love watching your channel on youtube since 2016.I hope you continue to make more videos for your channel fans out there.Bye!😊

Bob’s life was so relatable.

I love the Bob story. So moving 💗

I've got a hognose and he does great with aspen. Zero molding issues, easy to spot clean, and his tunnels stay nicely for him

I use a Aspen for my corn snake and I know my corn snake likes to make tunnels. While I know it molds and not great as high humidity. I feel its fine for corn snake. That said I use reptichip for my ball python and love it.

I used Aspen for all my snakes until just recently, I was so sick of it moulding on me!! I now use cypress mulch and orchid bark mixed for my king snake and the dimpled scales he had for the longest time actually started to go away, which shocked me. I think some of these species we call arid are actually in need of more humidity than we realize, it's safe to say my king snake loves his new substrate A LOT more!! Great video Alex!

I tried it with my ball at first, but had a big problems and actually sent you a email asking for help and whoever answers your emails helped me with that and a couple other problems! So thank you so much! 😊

I don't have reptiles. I'm deathly afraid of snakes! I do, however, love animals, and I love learning new things so I'm subscribed to your channel and I watch and enjoy your videos!!! Thank you!!!

Those first 25 seconds were some of the most emotional journeys I have ever witnessed, I will always remember Bob... always

Alex, are you still coughing up calcium sand??

I always love to see the more informational, educational videos! Definitely learned lots from this one.

I love how open minded he is. “I don’t do this, but I can see how it would work”. No bashing other keepers methods, thank you👏🏼

Thank you for taking care of animals during these times :)

Alex: Me as well as many people do not recommend sand Collared Lizards: am I a joke to you

I actually covered this in my dissertation at university. I researched particulate matter within reptile enclosures with different substrates. Essentially found the amount of particulates & size within reptile enclosures; ones with Aspen had particulate matter 10x what's considered safe for humans, despite our respiratory systems being much more complex than most reptiles.

Pet smart lady who hates her job and life: buy aspen it’s perfect for ball pythons

Great video Alex! Some real good points here!

I’m early! Ahhh I love ur vids so much, they truly make my day!

Thanks for the information, I didn't know that aspen can mold so easily. But we don't use it in any of our enclosures-they are all bioactive. The only snakes we have on aspen are the ones we've adopted from other people and the snakes come in tanks with aspen. After quarantine, we upgrade them to bioactive.

the dust from aspen shavings can actually cause resperatory infections in hamsters and other small mammals as well

I'm so glad I moved the snakes I don't have to a coconut fiber set up a couple years back.

I would recommend lignocel. More specifically, ProRep Snake Life Lignocel. It’s literally the best thing ever! It’s similar to aspen but 100X better!! It’s A LOT softer, easier to burrow in, there’s hardly any dust, doesn’t get mouldy; it’s a DREAM!! But it’s a tiny bit more expensive but worth every penny.

Thank you for making my quarantine better

I just bought some Aspen bedding to use for my first snake I will be getting soon. Do you think I should get a new bag of coconut fiber? Or do you think I'm fine.

Have used aspen, had the same issues. One thing you may not have mentioned, It is gross to clean if you have an animal that produces copious loose stools. It may have high absorption, but you would still be cleaning a puddle. Everything I have (Sneks, spooders, lizlords) is on a mix of cocofiber and cypress mulch. I have tubs for moist, and tubs for dried out so I can use it universally. This can still mold (mostly under water dish) but it takes longer, and spot removal clears it up well. Also, just stirring up the substrate every couple of weeks helps release more humidity if it is moist and aerates the substrate. Thanks for the videos.

Holy shit the Auschwitz Reference was not okay

I agree with everything you said ! Why use aspen when there are easier/safer substrates to use ? Oh and when you mentioned people overcomplicating reptile care I was so happy ! I adopted my royal python, Azabuki, from my neighbour before he moved out, everything in his small enclosure was plastic and had newspaper as substrate. He didn't look very "lively" but that's how snakes are, right ? I researched like crazy online to make sure I was giving him the best quality of life. At that time it was very controversial to have a bioactive environment (at least here in UK) but after getting to know Azabuki I decided to give it a go and bought a vivarium double the size of the old one, used Exo Terra eco earth substrate and mixed it with coconut chips and dried leaves, planted real plants, arranged branches to give him climbing spots, made hides from wood, dropped in springtails and isopods and added some moss. I spray the enclosure every night and more often during shed time. Azabuki completely changed, you could see he was using all his enclosure and exploring it! He went from having big problems shedding to a perfect shed everytime. He absolutely loves climbing and he looks way "happier" now. Do your researches so you can make an informed decision on what you feel it's best for your pet.

Uhm did you put "Arbeit macht frei" in the paint drawing of the mental asylum?? That is far beyond inappropriate ( and I say that as a German...)

Some tips if you're going to use a humidity box: 1. make sure you keep it on the warm side of the enclosure. 2. You'll want to have the entrance on the top so that they aren't pulling whatever substrate you use (like moss) out with them. 3. Snakes generally know how and when to use a humidity box, but still monitor your snakes usage at first in case they over use it or have trouble finding it. Too much humidity can cause scale rot. 4. this is best for species that don't require a high humidity or constant humidity- so tropical species of snakes, like Green Tree Pythons, will be better in an enclosure that is humid instead of just the humidity box. 5. Snakes typically won't shed in their humidity box- they'll use it to soften the shed and then come out and actually shed the skin around the enclosure.

Why is no one mentioning the Auschwitz reference at the beginning

I recently got my first reptile, a bearded dragon. His name is bowser, and I fell in love the instant I held him but I’ve honestly been kind of stressing over his care. I’ve been doing so much research I feel like my head is gonna explode but he’s eating well, getting a good varied diet, has the right lighting and a big enough enclosure, I know I’m doing the best I can for him. It’s just kind of stressful, I care so much about his environment being perfect that I feel like I can be almost too worried or too careful if that makes sense. I’ve calmed down a lot and gotten into a routine and things are going a lot more smoothly now. I say this because of what Alex said in the beginning, a new pet is obviously super fun and exciting but it’s also kind of scary and stressful, so to anyone looking to get their first reptile or any pet really, don’t stress and do the proper research and you and the animal will be just fine

I used aspin for my corn snakes and I never had an issue but I wouldn’t use it for anything that needs humidity but I’ve never had aspin mold in 5 years

I was using Aspen for the longest time and had to use a humidity box and Miss. Noodle was still having partial sheds all the time. Thanks to this video, I've gone to coconut husk and she's had 2-3 full sheds since !

Hey @GoHerping (and everyone else), I am getting a corn snake soon and I have been doing research. At this point, I feel like Bob when searching for certain things. So, I have a few questions 1.) What would be the cheapest bedding to use that has no risks? (so, not things like aspen. I live in the US, so US beddings please lol) 2.) What is the minimum size tank for an adult, and what size would you recommend? 3.) What temperatures do they need in their cages? (warm side, cool side, and humidity) 4.) Do they NEED any sort of lighting? (UVB, red light, etc.) 5.) Would it be best to use a heating pad or a heat lamp? If there is anything else I NEED to know before getting one, if you could let me know that would be very helpful. Thanks guys!

I literally only watch your videos when I'm doing the washing up. At no other time, I'm not sure why but that's how it is

haha i love when he says bob has a metal breakdown it shows coyote peterson

Im a new subscriber so Im catching up, lol. I just love your humor!! I had my first two snakes when I was way younger (32 now). I had a snow corn snake i got from a friend who got her from a tailgate breeder.....yeah....my other was a ball-python i got from my sister. I made the mistake of having her on Aspen foooor.....3-4 years? Thank God she never got sick. I ended up finding homes for both as my life got more and more hectic. Anyway, i have a new Ball python now that is almost 2 years old. Im having a lot of trouble keeping live plants in her cage (mainly cause she keeps smooshing them.) I use a mixture of organic top soil that has some moss mixed in with it and coconut fiber. I tried to find a soil that holds moisture, is safe for her, and can help plants thrive. Ive had Pathos, snake plants, and a fern was my most recent attempt. They all die even with proper water and full spectrum lamp bulb. I unno what Im doing wrong. I just want to giver her nice clean, fresh atmosphere. What I want to do is set up a completely bioactive terrarium for her....but there is soooo much conflicting info out there im so lost.

*Alex’s Mind*: Okay just smile and say somethin’ nice about Brian.. *Alex* “He got dirt.”

i completely agree with you. I have most of my young snakes on something simmillar to aspen (tierwohl) right now but will be definetely switching all of them for the cypress mulch mixed with coco fiber and moss. I am testing it with my boa right now, its amazing. Humidity boxes arent ideal as not all animals are smart enought to use it or use it way to much, but removing that one humid spot when theyre not in shed isnt good imo because then its all just dry as heck. And I think aspen and other types of reptile safe shavings may work well for some species but yeah - it reqires extra work and Im too lazy. Also it should be always reminded that the type of substrate that one is using should also depend on where they live - for me wooden shavings are never molding and I can spray them a bit without it getting nasty, but it really depends on locality and the climate

I am currently use aspen with my sand boa but tonight I’m an switching to coconut Update: I changed her bedding

Kaytee is also a bird product brand! Idk much about the mammal products, but their bird products are really good.

Used to use aspen for my corn snake. It was a nightmare to clean a “squishy” poo out of it. Switched to beech reptile wood chip substrate never gone back. My baby sheds so much better now, and it’s so much easier to clean.

I recently got a leopard gecko and your videos were the reason why I got one and I love him thanks

I looked up "The best substrate for a ball python" and this is the answer I got *Aspen*

I just made a big bag of reptichip and I think you've convinced me to change some of my snakes off aspen. Thanks

The uromaxtic (idk how to spell it) is beautiful

My Hognose loves his aspen. He digs in it all day and has never molded.

The passive-aggressive attack on aspen 🧚‍♀️😍

I've been keeping my corn snakes on aspen for years and I've never had a molding problem with the water bowl, or shedding, but it's good to know this and I will be looking out for this in the future.

We need a care guide for bearded dragons.

Alex - “ most people complicate reptile care, that’s probably a controversial sentence in its own.. but I don’t care” honestly love that! 😂😂

why is it that when i zone out he sounds like idubbbz?

The Bob example is perfect!

I extremely doubt Brian shakes the dust out.

Hi Alex! I have a baby ball python. She’s 7 months old. She’s a BEL. I have her on a mixture of coconut fiber and zoo med mulch. I keep the humidity around 60-70 by giving it a couple sprays every day and I put foil over some of the top screen. It’s working well so far. I also have a corn snake who is 10 months old. He is on aspen shavings I have used both- the aspen chips and also the shavings. I didn’t like the chips because the tunnels he makes don’t hold their form with the chips. I use the shavings and I make it about 2-2.5” deep so he can tunnel as much as he wants. I had silk plants in his tank but I took them all out because I was afraid he’d get some sort of injury slithering all over the pointed plastic stems and vines or even a wire frm one. I am very careful when I change the water because of the mold issue. I HAVE had the same thought about the aspen as I’ve had about the silk plants however the joy I see he has making the tunnels outweighED my worries UNTIL I watched this. To be honest every time I’ve cleaned his tank I’ve kind of wanted to TRY coconut fiber with him as well but I’ve been worried he wouldn’t get as much enrichment frm it. My question to you is, in your experience are corns able to tunnel in coconut fiber and if not do you believe the loss of enrichment by removing the injury risk frm using aspen outweighs the enrichment they get in tunneling through aspen? Thank you for all you do for these animals and for providing so much informative material for new reptile keepers such as myself. I really appreciate it.

I use aspen for my californiae and he seems great on it? And I'm definitely one of those people who overcomplicate stuff 😂 I always do way too much research and ask (good!) breeders and do like a fuck ton of research on their natural habitat and then try to replicate the best stuff for them lmao. Personal opinion on aspen is that it's fine for many species (such as my kingsnake) but not for some (anything that needs higher humidity, such as ball pythons). edit: spelling

Love this information! I’m looking to get a blue tongued skink in the next year or so. I’m spending time researching in the meantime to ensure I properly take care of them first. I would love to see a video on how reptile care is over complicated.

Would you use aspen for corn snakes because my corn snake loves burrowing and it’s great for holding burrows but just wondering pls answer just want the best for my noodle boi

When Alex uploads something before my bedtime...

Funny I just recently switched my ball python to Aspen and he's been staying under his water bowl since... I assume he doesnt like it , going to the store for coconut fiber tomorrow... hopefully this works better.

I use coconut fiber with coco chips, keeps humidity correct all the time, her sheds are always beautiful

When Alex from GoHerping clashes with Emily from Snake Discovery...

Some very good points... I'm a first time reptile owner (Ball Python) and I did have that overload. I settled on Aspen as other channels recommended it and the spot cleaning and cheaper price increased the appeal, but I think I will give Coconut fibre a go after this bag in done.

my employers choose to use aspen for their two snakes at the science centre i work at. i’ve been trying to get them to change it forever. i have to spot clean under the water dishes all the time because it molds within 2 days. :(

I use to use aspen when I had pet rabbits. One of them always had a runny nose and I read somewhere that the dust from the bag could cause allergies and just the wood in general. I switched to a organic cat litter that was recommended by a rabbit owner I knew and his nose stopped running as much. It’s amazing how much pet care can be trial and error.

"Believe it or not you don't really want mold around your animal"

Bob is my spirit animal right now

Any recommendations for an aspen alternative for a western hognose?

I’ve been using aspen wood shavings for my albino corn snake for 4 years and she has been having rough sheds for a long time, I’m gonna do some research and look into a new substrate, thank you so much.

are we just gonna ignore how that said “arbeit macht frei” or???

i have a corn snake who used to be housed in dirt, and i switched him over to aspen. he's done alright and hasn't had any issues. i use the longer thin chips, and feed him outside of his vivarium so he wouldn't risk ingesting it. his water dish and one of his caves are combined (one side on the top is the dish and the other side on the bottom is the cave), and the sides to the water dish are higher so it won't spill out (i often see him drinking from it so i do know he isn't dehydrates). that cave also works well as a shed box and every time he's shed, it's always been on the side of that cave on the outside. i don't spray his vivarium, i did for a day or two when i first switched him over and noticed mold and immediately switched his bedding and stopped spraying it. honestly i don't think i'll be changing from aspen because it works well for me + it's all i can afford right now because of ✨world issues✨ edit: i think i need to mention that the pet shop my dad got the corn snake from was using dirt for the bedding, not me. the day after i received him, i went and bought aspen and he was so much more active and burrowed a lot. the bags i get are from a local sawmill that makes bedding for animals and i always pay a little extra to buy the aspen shavings from the top of the bins so that there's less dust (there is still some when i go to change his bedding, but So Much Less dust compared to the stuff you can buy at walmart)