Snakes & Peat Moss
One of the important features of a snake habitat is the substrate. The substrate is the material that you use to line the cage and it may be scooped out or replaced when soiled. Peat moss is a common substrate used by snake keepers.
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Features
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Peat moss is pulverized sphagnum moss that has been processed and then sterilized. It is commonly sold as an additive for the garden as it will not introduce diseases to the local system, and this can also be an important consideration that makes it ideal for reptiles.
Advantages
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Peat moss can absorb and hold water. This can make it a good choice for snakes that prefer damp environments or who need a certain amount of humidity. The humidity from the peat moss is also helpful when it comes time for the snakes to shed. Humidity allows the snake to shed completely and cleanly. Cleaning the enclosure is also simply a matter of scooping out fecal matter, instead of emptying the tank.
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Naturalistic Opportunities
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Peat moss is a good candidate for a naturalistic tank set up, where the snake keeper essentially recreates a real environment in for the snake. In this system, the top of the moss is dry while the bottom of it is moist. The fecal matter is scooped out, but the substrate is stirred weekly, allowing trace waste matter and urates to fall to the bottom level. In time, the bottom layer will develop helpful bacteria that will break down the fecal matter.
Considerations
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Peat moss creates a natural look for a snake's habitat, but it can also result in a snake perpetually in hiding. Snakes are inclined to burrow, and they may choose to spend all their time underneath the peat moss. Several comfortable hides can mitigate this.
Warnings
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According to the Herp and Green Iguana Information Collection, peat moss can have herbicides or pesticides added, which can be dangerous to your snake. They recommend reading the warnings on the peat moss before you put it into your snake's enclosure.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Slithery Snake image by J3TPhotos from Fotolia.com
