TOP 10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE BUYING MY FIRST SNAKE

[@mirandasmenagerie5395]

Liking this video before even watching it because your videos are always the best! I can't wait to watch (I am as I'm typing this)!

[@Awesumpye25]

Magical Miranda watch snake discovery for an actual expert

[@fatherautism9965]

@@Awesumpye25 actually though snake discovery is the best place to get info

[@lenaroselapinski1220]

1. Their size 2. They aren't actually very active 3. Do more research to make sure that the snake is good for your skill level 4. Think about the cost for EVERYTHING. snake, electricity, terrarium etc. 5. U can use newspaper as substrate 6. With a bigger snakes, their poop is bigger than you think lol 7. Depending on the snake, handling them will effect eating habits and stress them 8. Use tweezers or tongs to feed 9. Ball pythons will stop eating or go on eating strikes for periods of time 10. Blood mites spread quickly and are difficult to treat, so always check for them

[@ZZ-uf1fs]

lenarose Lapinski whats eating strikes? And what do i do if they dont eat...

[@Zeristol]

Feeding strikes are when your snake refuses food. It's actually not uncommon for ball pythons to go on a feeding strike or "go off feed" for seemingly no reason. At that point, in the beginning you'd just continue offering them food on their usual schedule while monitoring their weight. Check your husbandry (temperature, humidity, is the snake stressed, etc). Beyond that, there's not much you can do to force a stubborn snake to eat. With ball pythons, I've heard of scenting your mice with used hamster bedding and other tips. This is really all the information I can offer as my pythons have never gone off feed thankfully. Check some reptile forums if you want to know more on this subject!

[@brainmatter.3850]

I love how you guys leave comments on this video listing all of the points she made and asking questions about what they mean when you could literally just watch the video lmao

[@imeaiwteh7540]

@@brainmatter.3850 they did and that’s how they were able to list the points. It’s way more concise and straight to the point.

[@brainmatter.3850]

@@imeaiwteh7540 But I can see people asking questions that could be answered if they just watched the video lol

[@saarahanimations1137]

So snakes like to spend their time chilling around. Perfect they are just like me.

[@nickymiron4087]

Oh really! Same here! I guess we are all snakes now!

[@Ruunako]

the number 1 thing i wish i wouldve knows is how quickly you can become obsessed in reptiles xD got 2 snakes and got my gecko recently and already thinking on what to get next.

[@JossersJungle]

Haha! I definitely need to remember that one for part 2!

[@vincemincevince]

yeah same here so addictive i have one beardy a leopard gecko a fire toad and a tree frog i know the last 2 are amphibians

[@monstertoman9717]

Collecting is amazing it all started with a beardie now ai have 11 reptiles and it grows everyday

[@colinjava8447]

Your shirt matches your snake, or is it the other way round. Cool video.

[@babayaga24100]

No one: Josser's Jungle: ThAts a PrEtTy sNake *buys it*

[@imperialdrone6261]

The definition of an impulse buy. Ooh pretty, mine!

[@goliathAnt]

I’ve watched multiple of your videos, and I know it disclaimed you’re not an expert, but you’ve been a lot of help with knowledge. Thank you for being you

[@willowwillow4991]

My ball python sleeps all night, and is rather active. Its like she moves around a bunch and takes naps in between.

[@JossersJungle]

Patronizing Willow Noel used to do that as well, until I realized he was searching for a hide in the cold end. :-)

[@pxrisxiv]

Jossers Jungle my corn snake does this as well but because I use paper towels as a substrate it just peels back the paper and hides near its water bowl.

[@william_snakespeares]

That sounds like my cat 😂😂

[@indigoxalis]

I got my first snake from a convention and he had bloodmites. ;-; I wish I had known more about them. It's been almost five months and I am still doing my best to treat them. Every time I think they are gone, I find one floating in the water bowl... What a pain..

[@x-witch8135]

I just got a snake and im very like stressed with everything so just in case what does mites look like

[@wolfbeam3915]

Good points! My first snake was a 'rescue' from a family member whose husband used to look after the pets. After he died she couldn't cope with the corn snake any more. It'd been a few years since I'd last seen the snake but agreed to give her a good home anyway. Yup, turned out she'd been quite young when I'd last saw her and was greeted by a much bigger snake than I'd anticipated! Regarding newspaper, it can make a suitable substrate in that it covers a large area cheaply and is easy to source and replace. However, it's ugly and you're unable to spot clean as the sheets are so large. Other substrates may be more expensive but they look nicer and allow for small handfuls to be removed between big cleans. Plus there are several types of snake, like the hognose, who naturally burrow and will behave more naturally by having loose substrate to move through. I can appreciate using it, but am not a fan.

[@robingagan6288]

love your videos. Insead of"feeding strike"though I would say"hunger strike" At first I thought you were referring to the snake striking as he feeds

[@JossersJungle]

Thank you so much Robin! Ah, that makes sense! Difficult to find the right word to use :-)

[@dreamdragon1745]

Everyone says to go to a reptile expo but where i live there are none at least i couldn't find any... Worst of all i don't have a car to drive somewhere far off to go to one. I'm jealous of people that can freely go to them. By the way your videos are amazing and really helpful keep up the great work you are helping a lot of first time reptile owners! :)

[@JossersJungle]

Hi! and thank you so much! It can be a struggle getting to expos, but I have been able to take a bus to one that was an eight hour drive away from me. Maybe that could be an option for you? :-)

[@missqueenie3281]

gabija luki I know that feeling were I live there is none and even if I drive away cuz there is 0 one in my country

[@user-ri6yi8ms9m]

maybe look if there is a breeder that can ship a snake to you? I thought the same thing about where I live and then I found a breeder that is about 9 hours away that can ship snakes so that is also an option?

[@teamnacl2000]

Local reptile facebook groups are always a good resoruce as well! A lot of the time, local breeders or petstores will advertise there

[@k.s2497]

Dream Dragon that’s what public transports are for!! Go on the train or the bus etc

[@RoseeKilljoy]

i cant stop watching all your videos! i just got my first snake a couple days ago, its a ball python. thankfully my dad is a vet so hes helping me do the proper set up for my snake. i really want the snake to feel ok in his terrarium.

[@dwhygienist]

I’m getting a new snake ( been 10 years since I owned snakes( getting a ball python) so your videos are a great refresher- mine is a rescue and the rescue will not let me adopt till I have the terrarium set up( pictures sent for approval) this snake has been well cared for at the rescue for a year so they know his eating cycle and size and types of thawed rodent he will eat

[@spearminttss]

I love my ball python, she is the most laziest snake I’ve had! She loves cuddles and laying on my chest while I listen to music 🥺💜

[@alexasabarth2344]

very very good summary of all you have to think about

[@mercycoughey4785]

This video is useful. I want to get a snake in the future, but alot of snake owners want to heavaly encourage you getting a snake and don't share the risks. Thanks for making this.

[@emilyk898]

Can u make a video of what u need to know to have a pet snake I learned all that I can but I wanna be sure

[@JossersJungle]

Wolf Town It depends on what species of snake you have. But it is a good idea, I'll see what I can do! Thanks for the request :-)

[@HowlingTrain042]

Recently found your channel and I love it! Keep up the awesome work!

[@FurrySh0ck]

I had a hard time choosing between a ball python or a kingsnake as my first snake. This video and a lot of your other videos really helped me to gather necessary information to make the best decision for both me and my snake. You're doing a great job, and I want you to know that you helped me a lot. Thanks.

[@joahwinkler1843]

I have a snapping turtle so I relate to the feeding strike problem, especially since he’s such a picky eater.

[@jsprechs7847]

Newspaper doesn't allow for burrowing and can stress out the snake. It also doesn't hold humidity which is needed for clean sheds.

[@kirby7248]

All of the aspen shavings are cheaper in the rodent aisle by the way, mostly everything is, you can get some hides and bark in the rodent aisle for around 4 dollars, and in the reptile aisle 12.

[@pebblechan2002]

Her:The light bill. Me: **looks at my 2 bearded dragons lights and chameleon** (8 lights btw) Me: *Interesting* ill keep that in mind

[@badateverything5392]

Same: ME: looks at my three snake enclosures...

[@ryancalkins4367]

Hello! I just recently started working at a pet store in my area and after working with one corn snake in particular I've grown quite a fondness for the animals. I want to work towards buying her and raising her myself, but I have one issue. Up until seeing your video, I have never heard of bloodmites. But from how you described it, the corn snakes in my store may have them. What can I do?

[@JossersJungle]

Hi Ryan I've made a video called 'Bloodmites' where I talk about almost anything that has to do with them, treating, preventing ect. I would recommen you to take a look at that! :-)

[@Sulphur16]

I got what looked liked ticks in my one snake(they where like really small and were on my snakes tail), what helped me is putting the snake in water with apple cider vinegar, it really really helped with them. I don't know if they were blood mites but they looked like ticks.

[@simonsmallhorne]

Another great video! May I request a video on shedding? As snake owners we will all experience this so it maybe a good idea to state ideal humidities for specific snakes etc, what works best for you? I (or should I say my Boa Apep) had a disappointing shed a few weeks ago for the first time. I was upset because she alway has great sheds. I always keep my humidity just above 60%, start spraying her with water once a day when I see her eyes have turned blue and keep some kind of bark in with her to rub against. I didn't spray her this time and though 95% of her was shed, she did retain some old skin in her head. Luckily her eye caps were removed but I had to bathe her to remove the stuck shed on top of her head. I've kept a few snakes over the years but a beginner might panic if their snake doesn't shed properly. It might be a good video. Love your vids, keep up the good work😁 Simon & Apep

[@scoutiepooh881]

Can you make a video about what kind of water a snake needs for drinking/soaking? Should you try Reptisafe, distilled, purified or tap water?

[@thejustineaster]

Great videos! So much experience AND humility! Accurate information! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Odesztiny]

I was thinking about getting a snake... your video convinced me I'm not ready for the commitment quite yet. Loved the video tho

[@anawynboudreaux5877]

I was wondering (for research purposes) how do you freeze your mice? I watched your video on how to handle mice but I don't know how you would freeze your mice. my local pet store does not sell them frozen. I'm a big fan and would love to see more videos from you!

[@JossersJungle]

Hi! So glad to hear you enjoy the channel! Thank you! When we freeze our mice and rats, we do it, of'course, after they've been euthanized. We put them in small plastic bags and make sure as little as possible air is in there with them, we tie a knot and put them in the freezer. That's pretty much it :-)

[@younghex9577]

Can you do a complete care guide for king snakes. Like when to feed them larger mice or move them to larger tanks. It would be very helpful. Not a lot of informational videos about king snakes.

[@jill3855]

Okay so I have a question... How many times a week do I handle my baby ball python without stressing it? And if the snake gets older does it cause stress when you handle it 3/4 times a week? Btw I really love your videos they're amazing;) xx

[@qoshn8805]

Loser

[@evieknight9451]

I’m thinking of getting either a Californian kingsnake or a corn snake

[@BATTRA_3AM]

Can you do a video on a MexicanBlack king snake? how to care for it best aspen? and so on

[@BiteTheCurbNow]

Good job. No stagnation. Well informed.

[@Amnic2017]

My first pet snake is a california king snake. I didnt have tweezers for feeding. I did have tongs though. They're a fair substitute to tweezer in a pinch. =)

[@JossersJungle]

As long as they work! It's a great tip if you don't have a tweezer! :-)

[@Amnic2017]

Jossers Jungle do you know if it is possible to sex a snake using the candle method? The idea of either probing or popping doesn't really appeal to me personally lol.

[@baliboi_santa4162]

Is a rosey boa a good starter snake I used to love holding my teachers

[@andrelazaro4563]

How do snakes get blood mites ?

[@lizzieandmocha1131]

You were in the same boat I am, haha! My mom hates snakes and so I probably won't be able to have one until I get out on my own next year.

[@MysticEyes]

I love your videos,! Thank you FOR Sharing all your knowledge.

[@Lichen8404]

My aunt had a 6ft python, named Missy. Missy was sassy. When I was little, I was scared of her. She was twice my size. She just layed in her tank, and didn't do much. At night when I stayed the night she would look at me and the cat who would sleep at my feet. I kinda miss Missy now :( we couldn't afford to keep her.

[@justinemiller9254]

Thanks you for all of this info

[@guoitdreuy]

Do your snakes ever poop on you whist you are handling them? I've had two corn snakes and one of them once pooped on my friend when handling otherwise was fine. I want a ball python I was wondering as they are larger I'm guessing they do much bigger ones and I just wanted to be prepared if they poop whilst handling.

[@zoecarrington2218]

After going to my brother's wedding in a month., I'll be getting my first snakes!! Two corn snakes to be exact. I have had experience with snakes but never really owned any myself. As much as I already knew a lot, I spent days researching and watching videos to give me more information. I can't wait!! :D

[@JossersJungle]

That sounds so exciting! Good luck with your new corn snakes! They are really amazing! :-)

[@ZZ-uf1fs]

Zoe Carrington this was a year ago, did you get a snake!? And if you did, is it doing good?

[@DJLiddle]

Awesome video thanks! 😁

[@qtipsters]

I just got my 1st ball python what are the signs that it's ready to eat please or how long would I wait if I went to feed it every month I still have a good Acting snake please. 1 Also your videos are very nice I don't know if it is you along with the way that you presented but you are absolutely gorgeous and I does enjoy watching you do this because you love it and have a Passion and show it and I really appreciate it not in a weirdo sort of way

[@vic7021]

I was once at a con and a large snake pooped on my dress and it pooped for a while, so I know what you mean when you say it can sometimes be rather large.

[@robinsinger86]

The poo bit is so funny but so true, I have days where even my ball python surprises me, I'm always just like "I don't understand, I don't even think your food was that big" rofl. Love your videos, I'd already been considering adding a couple new snakes to my room in the near future. Your top five videos have confirmed for me that those snakes will be a california king (always been fond of king snakes and always kinda wanted one) and a boa constrictor. I don't even know which I'm more excited about lol

[@godgod2227]

Is there such thing as a perfect set-up? There is sooo much info out there idk where to go. Thank you. I'm getting a ball python. I want to buy a 67-75 gallon tank and leave it at that. Is that suggested? Thank You

[@half-heartedanimations9747]

Subscribed! I love this! I want a snake so this is really helpful!!!!

[@JossersJungle]

So glad to hear that! :-)

[@half-heartedanimations9747]

Jossers Jungle

[@rurutherussian]

I love your cheek bones! And Barnaby!

[@kingofkards1110]

Do you need a heat lamp if u have a heat pad? Or should I get a bulb with a low wattage to keep it the terrarium warm?

[@JossersJungle]

You don't need at heatlamp if you have a heat pad. But you can have a lamp for just light if you'd like :-)

[@toraryuu2274]

Can you do a video about baby king snakes that won't eat? I've had mine for almost 2 months and it won't eat no matter the methods I have tried and I'm getting worried. Thank you hun, love your videos.

[@the13thamore]

Love your channel you have helped me so much

[@kimdean1079]

Man, this was helpful. My daughter wants to buy my grandson a snake and I'm sure she has no idea about the care and possibility of bloodmites.

[@stripeyhorsestudios7800]

I really want a snake and I have now watched almost all of your videos and I have learnt soooo much more than I knew before. I'm so glad I found you and now I feel so much more prepared if my parents finally give in to letting me have a snake. Also, I have always wanted a ball python but recently after watching your videos and doing research I think that I would much rather have a California King snake. They are so gorgeous and seem so much easier to take care of so thank you. Finally. Can you p,ease do a video on prices for beginner snakes. I don't want to be over/under charged for a snake or the equipment to take care of it. Xx

[@ashleytaccone5298]

Can repticarpet be an ok substrate for snakes?

[@blbreptiles4126]

i Always use my hands for feeding... but not for my big snakes haha

[@109367]

Yo, that's a big ass tarantula in the background lol

[@bass8649]

i juST fuckin saw that dude i was like i hope thats a fuckin picture

[@brandonmiller207]

other videos have them in different positions. they might be real....

[@GlueAndStitches]

brandon miller she has real tarantulas... It's real

[@causeofmyserendipity8562]

I'm glad I can't see it

[@persephionie7412]

Yall know tarantulas are real?

[@alurii7442]

Wow, And now...We Know This is a very very very very very very very very very very helpful video for us beginner's!!! keep it up!!!

[@cadmack]

Love your videos!

[@DiamanteInfernalis]

How do you get rid of blood mites?

[@Lichen8404]

Wait, can you get new paper and put a little Aspen or something like it over it so it looks prettier?

[@personoable]

Loved the video. Thank you so much!

[@JossersJungle]

personoable You are most welcome! :-)

[@emilobeljakobsen5881]

Where do you buy your snakes and how do you transport them?? i live in denmark btw

[@nicholaslatsaras3631]

Have you tried keeping Florida Kings so pretty

[@erinpaige3420]

Do you like heat mat or lighting

[@mandywhite4272]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@momof2plusotaku657]

That was my first snake too! A dessert phase. Mine was black and yellow bands but the yellow slowly turned white. Im hoping to get another one day 😭

[@jennifer3744]

What do you think about the African house snake? Are they good for beginners? Are they good for handling?

[@guoitdreuy]

Jen I held one of these at my local reptile store was very beautiful and friendly.

[@jennifer3744]

guoitdreuy thank you for your answer! Is it more of an active snake? :)

[@william_snakespeares]

Should you turn off the heating mat at night?

[@mariajosegarcia6406]

Umm.. do you have a video on BP feeding strikes Or if not could you make one

[@JossersJungle]

Mariajose Garcia yes, I’ve made several :-)

[@mariajosegarcia6406]

Jossers Jungle thank you

[@justinbrown4909]

I have been watching your videos since about this time last year when I got my first Ball Python, Kaa. It has been about one year and he has gotten absolutely GIANT! (I am guessing he is a boy out of suspicion, however based on the size "he" is now I am having my doubts.) It is so exciting. I am about to make a better home for him and was hoping you or anyone else had any useful information about size requirements for a growing ball python. I got Kaa last year about this time at 8 inches and Kaa is now over 24 inches. What size cage am I looking for? What wattage bulbs am I looking for? Any feedback helps. Oh and you are absolutely gorgeous 😍. As you know, a new habitat can be a couple hundred dollars, so I am trying to get it done in a single shot. Please let me know what you did with some of your more advanced snakes 🐍 and thank you!

[@lawtonmay4394]

How do they get bloodmites?

[@brittanyschobel5030]

Hi! Can you please make a video on what breeders are good for getting a snake..Because I don't wanna go to PetSmart or Petco or anything because I know there like...bad. Thanks if you do!

[@tasazuki]

I went through snake n lizards. They are available on facebook. I got my new corn snake, they also have king snakes. I got the recommendation from Emily, who does a youtube channel - Snake discovery.

[@KnitfulMadison]

If I were you I would research breeders around your area and be mindful of the time of year you're going to buy them and where they're located I will also say that not every PetSmart is going to be bad I wouldn't trust putco personally I actually work at a PetSmart for over a year and I can assure you not all of them are bad but a lot of times they're underweight or they seem underweight because the company itself refuses for employees to do certain things to help feed them I actually adopted at one of our snakes because it was having shedding problems and now he's a healthy little foot and a half ball python male

[@chua5959]

Ur videos make me wanna get a snake. Do u have any huge snakes?

[@JossersJungle]

The biggest girl we have is a 2,5 m boa :-)

[@tamikaze3751]

Hey! Great video, I just subscribed. I was thinking of getting my first snake soon (I was looking at a Californian kingsnake). What is a feeding strike? Is it when the snake goes on a strike and doesn't want to eat anymore? Also my room gets pretty hot, will that end up being a problem for the snake?

[@oliviaanderson9738]

I just got my first corn snake, and I bought compressed ecoearth substrate. How do I know if the soil has to much water in it?

[@nightinggale6470]

The surface of the substrate shouldn’t be soaking wet, that risks scale rot.

[@hyenacortez1500]

We're did u get ur snake stuffy

[@emilyratelle9071]

Are there any 'social' snakes? That like to be out and be handled often?

[@JossersJungle]

Not that I know of :-)

[@darbym2303]

I really like your English speaking and think you so very adorable. Cheers

[@DraOseguera]

Hello, I've been a subscriber for a week and I really like your videos, I came to your channel because I've been wanting to have a snake as a pet, I understand that the ideal would be a king snake or a ball piton, I really like both species but I am Very worried about the feeding stops of the boas but I would like to have one because of the immense variety of colors. Are there morphs in the king / corn snakes? greetings from México 🐍💜

[@JossersJungle]

Hi Paula! so glad to have you as a subscriber! I really hope you enjoy the videos! I'm having a little trouble understanding what you ask, but it is the ball python who is known for the feeding strike, it rarely happens in boas and cornsnake and california kingsnake. Both the cornsnake and the california kingsnake have several morphs and you can get them in various colors and patterns! All the best from me :-)

[@dragonblazer420]

Paula Rosas I was looking through the comments and came across yours. I wouldn't recommend a ball python because of the feeding strikes and also their humidity requirements are about 70% and the average household is 20%. I recommend a corn snake or a rosy boa

[@AmberSkyMakeup]

I just bought a baby corn snake and he's still a bit jittery. I've waited 6 days after bringing him home to take him out of his cage and feed him in a shoe box but he freaked out. How do I pick him up without him being scared of me? Or at least where on his body can I pick him up where I won't get bit? Also how can I not be afraid of him?!

[@JossersJungle]

AmberSkyMakeup I would recommend watching my video "How to handle your snake" I answer all of your questions and more in that :-)

[@AmberSkyMakeup]

Jossers Jungle thanks!

[@astro388]

I'm eleven but from what I've learned from my research you should pick up your snake from the middle of its body, and then keep as much of its body in your hands as possible. Also don't hesitate when going to pick up your snake, As it will make it more likely to bite you, and don't hold your snake by the head or tail. Snakes are quite head shy and it may bite you, and holding it by the tail can hurt its spine. If you handle your snake every day for about five minuets it will start getting used to you. I hope I helped. I have to wait twelve months until I can get a snake. So long 😢

[@iishaanhussainii6619]

How is he 1 year later 🤗

[@richardholcomb7715]

Question just bought a ball python have had him for 2 weeks have not got him to eat the first week should I try again the second week or leave him alone to not stress him ???

[@veronicamorris2424]

Just watched your video and you just got to 700 subscribers today you are at 67.4k congratulations 😁

[@JossersJungle]

🎉

[@haileycarpenter3920]

What are some good beginner snakes? Ik a ball python would be good I'm just curious if there are any other good ones for a first time snake owner

[@haileycarpenter3920]

I also would like a good snake to like handle or just chill with

[@natsu9139]

Planning to use a rack system for my Mexican black king snakes but don't know what size tubs to use, can anybody help me

[@emmafitzpatrick189]

I'm thinking about getting a king snake for my very first snake. I'm not sure if I should get a baby or an adult. Any recommendations? Your videos are amazing btw.

[@elizabethc371]

Can you do a while vid on milk snakes?

[@aestheticsandsilver5528]

I wish i knew that you can accidently bake your snake. :) thanks for the heat lamp @ guy at petco and i quote him saying "its perfect for your ball python!" I took literally every step to care for my ball python, even correctly put the light on one side of the tank. But somehow still baked her :(( No i didnt buy my ball python from petco

[@lobotomized_vampire]

Then you didn't research enough- some googling would lead you to find heat mats and how theyre much better for snakes who need belly heat. I really wouldn't listen to anyone from chain pet stores without researching on your own

[@aestheticsandsilver5528]

Korozashisakae I had a mat..

[@aestheticsandsilver5528]

Korozashisakae my old heat lamp stopped working so I decided to go to the pet store to get the lamp. Thats the whole reason I needed it anyways. And trust me i did my research i spent hours researching before i got my snake but never came across anything on baking your snake or anything like that, I had my heat lamp on one side of the tank the mat on the other side and then a good area in the middle with no direct heat from either. It was a decent sized tank for my snake and enough space to have the gradient effect with heat. But I definitely wont be listening to any chain pet store employees ever again. Haven't even been to a pet store since the lamp and I don't plan on ever going back.

[@SouthernBelleReviews]

Did she die???

[@grezgu]

Would you recommend a California kingsnake as a first snake? :D

[@jeffadair8948]

What do bloodmites look like?

[@samquayle3066]

Hi I might be getting a ball python what should I get a rack or a tereream

[@LHA8925]

Hi there, so I’m in the process of choosing my first snake and I’m really torn between a ball python and a corn snake. My apartment is pretty small and I go away for work for weeks sometimes and I just want to make sure I buy the right snake for me. I’ve watched your videos but any feedback would be great from you or any other subscribers. Thank you.

[@RoseIsAsleep]

Haha ball pythons are so great! I am in love with them

[@rocketscientist1594]

I hate to disagree with your comments on substrate, but newspaper (or paper towel) is NOT good for a corn snake, at least. Corn snakes burrow, and of course newspaper doesn’t allow for this. Your corn snake would be seriously stressed in this situation! A much better alternative is shredded aspen (ABSOLUTELY NOT cedar or pine - they have oils that will damage the snake’s skin!) I used paper toweling with my green tree python, because tree snakes (in general) hang out on branches and never come down to the floor of the tank.

[@yazzi_bear5186]

If my ball python likes to be held and try’s to be held can I handle it more?

[@silversuchomimus]

can I rip up newspaper and use it as a substrate, so that it resembles other "proper" substrates?

[@JossersJungle]

Yes you can do that :-)