When setting up an enclosure for your ball python, you need the best substrates to keep him comfortable. The snake deserves the best bedding and substrates to keep level up humidity.
Coconut husks, aspen bedding, and cypress mulch are among the best substrates for ball pythons. I love the moist nature of cypress and that coconut husks are antimicrobial and antibacterial to keep off any mold.
Ensure the substrate fits in the enclosure for a longer lifespan for your ball python. Stick on as we check some of the best substrate choices for your ball python.
Quick Summary: Best Substrates for Ball Pythons
| # | Substrate | Best Feature |
| 1 | ReptiChip Premium Substrate | Premium |
| 2 | ReptiCasa Organic Coconut Chips | Absorbing |
| 3 | Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding | Natural |
| 4 | Fluker’s Repta Bark Bedding | Antifungal |
| 5 | BLSMU Reptile Carpet | Soft |
Best Substrates for Ball Pythons: Our Top 5 Picks
1. Best Premium: ReptiChip Premium Substrate
Your ball python will enjoy staying in an enclosure with this coconut substrate that creates a healthy habitat. It offers superb humidity retention for a tropical feeling for your pet.
It uses 72 quarts of compressed brick equal to 10 lbs of comfortable, safe reptile bedding to satisfy reptile enthusiasts when preparing an enclosure.
The substrates are odor-absorbing and encapsulate waste products creating a healthy environment by keeping a pleasant-smelling home. The coco chips are 100% organic for sustainability and environmental safety.
2. Best Absorbing: ReptiCasa Organic Coconut Chips
The organic husk chips offer all-natural support to your ball python with an optimal coverage area since it contains larger mixed husk sizes that cover up to 75 quarts of the space without any expansion for animal support.
They are hygienic, ideal for shared places, and absorb odor from urine, stale water, and other excretions. The husks balance the enclosure humidity for a more comfortable sleep and breeding.
The assorted husk chips are free from dirt and dust that can affect your python’s health, and they are ready to use and easy to clean.
3. Best Cypress Mulch: Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding
The cypress mulch bedding uses cypress tree bark that’s broken down into small pieces that fulfill the tropical nature feeling of your ball python, and it’s the best choice for pythons in captivity.
Additionally, it’s easy to set up in the enclosure, plus cleaning is effortless. The natural-looking mulch allows high humidity with minimal maintenance for a bioactive enclosure.
The mulch is 100% natural, and you have no worries about it having plastic or any potentially hazardous material that can affect your Bally’s system or cause severe damage.
4. Best Antifungal: Fluker’s Repta Bark Bedding
The forest floor substrate prevents excess moisture and absorbs the python’s waste. The bark pieces level the humidity to keep the bally thriving in the enclosure.
You will love the large pieces of bark that aren’t easily packed together by the ball python’s heavy body, making it ideal for all sizes. The loose substrate is also easy to clean.
The natural bark is eco-friendly since it breaks down over time in the water, and I recommend it for small ball pythons since the large barks pose a lower impaction risk. In addition, it’s antifungal, keeping your python fungal infection free.
5. Best Carpet: BLSMU Reptile Carpet
The 35.4 by 15.7 inches carpet offers the perfect solution for your Bally’s enclosure. You can cut it to your desired shape to fit the area, creating a tropical habitat feeling.
Its soft nature protects your ball python’s kin from scratches, raises humidity levels, and keeps moisture away.
The carpet is a high-quality coconut substrate that prevents skin decay, and its fibers are dirt resistant for effortless cleaning. Rise the mat and hang it to dry before putting it back in the cage.
The materials are safe, and 100% natural coconut fiber is durable. The cage pads look excellent and eco-friendly, and you won’t have to worry if the little ones chew the particles.
Considerations When Choosing a Substrate for Your Ball Python
1. Your Budget
Before purchasing what you have in mind, you must ensure that the finances are enough and won’t affect other necessities. The size of the cage also determines how much you can spend on the substrates; for example, a large cage may require two or more packets.
2. Your Python’s Age
Substrate sizes for younger pythons should be large to prevent accidental swallowing, plus ensure they are non-toxic. Most python enthusiasts recommend using paper substrates for young pythons, then moving them to more natural ones as they grow.
3. Experience
Your experience levels also determine the substrate to use. With more experience in the field, you can quickly tell which substrate works for your bally, while as a beginner, you might need to stick to bioactive ones.
Final Thoughts
The best ball python substrate should offer comfort and ensure your pet stays safe all the time. Choose an organic and eco-friendly substrate, and check that the hunks are large enough for your pet’s size. If you need help deciding on the best one, consult an experienced ball python enthusiast.
