Can untreated soil be used as a subtrate for a Cali King snake?

I would also like to know if adding a plant (like a spider plant) to the terrarium is safe.

Can untreated soil be used as a subtrate for a Cali King snake?
It probably could, but you never really know what kinds of things are in untreated soil. There could be parasites, harmful bacteria, pesticides or fertilizer. You would be better off getting a bag of topsoil from your local store if you want a "natural" environment. However, keep in mind that it isn't recommended as snakes typically don't defecate/urinate where they spend most of their time sleeping or waiting for prey. You would have to be sure that you get all of the dirty soil removed. This is why most people will use a substrate that is easier to clean such as aspen or cypress mulch and newspaper, etc.





As far as the plant is concerned, it won't harm the snake at all however he might end up killing it by moving over it or dislodging it from the soil.
Reply:I would not use untreated soil as a substrate for my snakes. You risk bringing in pathogens that the snake may never have been exposed to, not to mention parasites and bugs that could infest the snake and your home.





Good old newspaper is my substrate of choice - it's always available, easy to replace, and poses little risk of ingestion when the snake eats.
Reply:Oh no way!!! Use a treated substrate and no cedar chips. Spider plants are toxic and even though the snake doesn't eat plants the mouse you put in there might eat some and that would possibly make the snake sick. It is a slim chance but possible. Go with something non toxic to be safe.
Reply:it can but most soils will act as a medium for bacterial growth which in turn leads to health risk for your snake. parasites can also bed and spread in this substrate. it's better to use something like jungle litter or ground shell available at petstores. easier to clean out the poo and change at least every 6 weeks. plants are cool, just check for toxicity
Reply:Of course.. In fact, it would be better than the treated soil.
Reply:I plant won't bother anything as long as there is no risk of it eating it and with a snake there is no risk.....but soil from outside does carry parisites like mites and ticks and those are a pain to get rid of .... and as for potting soil for plants bought in a store...that also carries parasites just as the outdoors do...(trust me..a friend of mine thought the same thing and all his reptiles had to be cared for) your best and safest bet is to go to a pet store and get Eco-terrium...it comes in a block and it makes a **** load ...enough to fill up a 10 gallon tank three times
Reply:ask vet