No, sand is too abrasive, can enter the digestive and respiratory systems and can cause health issues. Do not use pine or cedar substrate either, this can cause neurological issues. Corn snakes should have Aspen shavings as their bedding. If the humidity remains too low coconut fiber can be added, to retain moisture.
Pine/cedar shavings — The aromatic compounds in pine and cedar (what makes it smell good) can potentially cause neurological damage in reptiles. Pine becomes fairly safe if kiln-dried, as the oils are removed during the process, but shavings in general are just not great. Cedar should be avoided at all costs.
Avoid cedar wood and shavings that are toxic. It is important to include a hiding place in the enclosure. Snakes enjoy coiling in a tight hiding place that might seem barely big enough for them to fit into.
Sand works better in low-humidity habitats, and it can also cause intestinal obstructions if swallowed in large quantities. Cedar shavings – Cedar shavings must never be used for any snake as they emit toxic fumes.
Snake substrate comes in various materials depending on what environment your particular breed of snake is used to in the wild. Calcium sand, aspen wood, walnut shells, coconut fiber, moss and bark can all make comfortable and supportive bedding for pet snakes, depending on their needs.
Two of the most harmful substrates for any reptile are pine or cedar shavings. While these shavings typically look and smell nice to us, the aromatic compounds they release can be extremely harmful to the respiratory system of your ball python.
Soil. Various types of soil are often used as a substrate in snake habitats. There are definitely a few disadvantages to soil, but there are also a lot of things that make it a good choice. For example, soil is not a particularly sterile choice, as it may provide good conditions for bacteria to grow and thrive.
Paper and Fabric Liners: These types of liners lie flat and don't provide depth for your snake to hide or burrow in. While paper is easy to replace, it doesn't lock moisture away from your snake's skin, and so requires frequent changing.
Layer the bottom of the habitat with bedding (also called substrate) that your new pet can burrow into. Aspen & cypress shavings are a natural, odorless reptile substrate that snakes can tunnel through it as they'd do in the wild. Spot clean the bedding often to remove droppings.
Strong and disrupting smells like sulfur, vinegar, cinnamon, smoke and spice, and foul, bitter, and ammonia-like scents are usually the most common and effective smells against snakes since they have a strong negative reaction to them.
Never try to pick up a snake, even if it is dead. A snake's reflexes can still cause the snake to strike up to an hour after it has died. If you have an encounter with a snake, give it the right-of-way. Do not attempt to kill the snake, just move out of the snake's way.
Snakes and rodents are repelled by the rough prickly sensation they get when touching the steel wool.
I highly recommend coconut husk as a snake substrate for pretty much any snake you own (ball python, boa, corn, etc.).
A snake enclosure should be spot-cleaned daily to take out any soiled bedding, feces, or dead skin. The bedding should be fully replaced ideally once per month and the tank walls, dishes, and hides wiped down.
Natural soil is generally best for meeting this need. Provide a substrate layer that is a minimum of 2-4” deep. Although Ball Pythons don't dig into their substrate, deeper substrate is better able to maintain the humidity that Ball Pythons require.
Do Not use Sand. Sand is another enemy of snake health and safety. Silica sand and play sand can cause irritation of eyes, nasal passages, skin between scales, and even silicosis. Silicosis is a disease of the lungs that develops after repeated exposure to silica dust.
Note: In order to use natural topsoil for your reptile safety, make sure you are able to find some that has no perlite, vermiculite, fertilizers, or pesticides in them, as it can be mildy dangerous to extreamly dangerous.
A snake plant prefers a light loamy soil that not only drains well but also registers between 5.5 to 7.0 on the pH scale. Instead of scooping up dirt from an outdoor garden bed or yard, which can become compacted or contain insects or bacteria, choose a sterile commercial potting soil that's free of pests and disease.
I don't see an issue in using them for snakes. For any type of lizard that may claw them up and potentially be able to ingest the pad material or gel inside, gotta be a no from me. Here is my take: I think it's a great idea.
Uniform, heat treated hardwood chips are extremely safe & sanitary. Animal waste will clump and be easily scooped for disposal. Safe for snakes, lizards, and many others. Uniform, heat treated hardwood chips are extremely safe & sanitary.
NEVER pick up a snake by its tail — this can cause severe damage to their spine. During handling, continue to support the snake's body and use a loose grip to enable it to move freely.
Ball pythons may not be burrowing snakes, but they often do like to bury themselves in their bedding in captivity. These snakes also need a good, absorbent substrate to keep humidity levels up. Aspen bedding, coconut husk, and cypress mulch are all good substrates for ball pythons.