I have had this ball python since Nov. I have been using newspaper as substrate and wanted to use a diff. kind. So I went to my local pet store and bought a book called Ball Pythons (Author: John Coote). In this book it states: "...wide substrates available...pine bark chippings. The best quality to use is that which is graded for Orchid growing." So I go to Lowes today, can not purchase the Orchid growing kind because it is FIR wood with a mixture of other "stuff". I buy the "Pine Bark Mini Nugget" kind for use in outdoor mulching purposes. Can I bake this in the oven and use it as substrate? I am concerned because I found this website and see that people are advising against it because of oils, etc. I do not want to harm my snake and I have never owned a snake so I am still learning. Please help. Thanks!!!

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