Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well,as per my last 2 posts,I finally got my male GTP to eat after about 3 weeks.I did not have to force or make him...just pi$$ him off a bit.Now for my next few questions....I keep cypress mulch in his enclosure for a substrate,can that hurt him if he swallows a peice when he feeds?(if some is stuck to the mouse).And my next question is..Can snakes become delusional?Sometimes it's as if he's striking at plain air or something thats not there.
Thanx again all!!!

Re: cypress mulch. You will get different answers depending on who you ask. Some people use it for years without problem, while others claim it has caused them lots of problems. Both "side" are actually telling the truth.

I have used it for many years and continue to use it today. Mulch that is swallowed is probably of no concern. It is possible for a peice of mulch to become lodged (not swallowed) in the gums of a gtp and sit until it causes an infection. This can almost always be headed off by simply keeping a close eye on your animals. Any snake that just doesn't look right should be more closely examined.

Regarding the PROS: cypress mulch is great for maintaining humidity. It also neutralizes the odor of droppings which can build up in a enclosed envirement and be a health concern all on its on. In a large collection it really helps keep my cages stabilized as far as odor and humidity go.

With neonates, I far prefer paper towels. Especially with babies that are not well started. Dropped pinks don't become contaminated.

I've heard concerns that mulch causes fruit fly infestions. I believe that the flies are attracted to things in the cage and come from outside the cage. Flies will also infect dirty cages with paper towels.

I (and others) have noticed very small white insects that suddenly appear in cypress mulch after a snake deficates. Whatever these are, they do not effect the snake and may even help in breaking down stools before they are removed from the cage.

Paper towells, cloth towells and mulch have all been used with lots of success by others. The task of maintaining a cage is slighly different with each method. But they all work.

The only argument I know of that gives me concern is that harvesting cypress mulch means the destruction of wetlands. I don't have a good answer for that one.