Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have use cypress mulch for years, buying it online and having it shipped. But I would like to find something similar, considering the hassle and cost I go through with cypress mulch. Can anyone recommend a bedding that is like cypress mulch w/ the resistant to mold and good w/ humidity. I have been out of cypress mulch for a couple months and have been using newspaper and I don't like it as much.

Kyle

I used to use cypress mulch for my ball pythons but I have since switched to shredded aspen bedding. It is very affordable and (in my area at least) seem to be very easy to find. If you call around to some local pet feed stores you shouldn't have a problem finding it. I buy 8 cu. ft. compressed bags for $18.99 which I was paying about $8.75 for 2 cu. ft. bags of cypress mulch. As far as humidity goes, my ball pythons are in well ventilated freedom breeder racks so I added a humidifier to the room and the humidity in the cages stays about 65% - 70%.

As for my larger pythons, they are housed in Boaphile cages that have much less ventilation, so with a large water bowl and a light misting every few days, the humidity stays in the 60% - 70% range and these are NOT in the room with the humidifier. I live in Arizona where the humidity this time of year is in the single digits, so I would imagine that in most parts of the country it would be even less of issue.

I also just acquired two Albino Bloods and rather than use the hides I provided, they just burrowed right into the Aspen, which they did not do with the Cypress Mulch. So far the Aspen has been the answer for me. Maybe somebody with more experience has a better suggestion. Good luck!
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1.1 Caramel Albinos
1.0 Spider
1.0 Mojave
1.0 Pinstripe
1.1 Piebalds
1.1 Het Caramel Albinos
0.3 Pastels
0.19 Normal Balls
1.0 Coastal Carpet Python
1.0 75% Diamond 25% Jungle Carpet Python

Thats funny, I live In AZ also, PHX.

I use sani chips for my ball pythons, but I don't like using it for my bloods.

Kyle

I tried the Sani-Chips but what I didn't like is that when the snake moves through the cage, it seems to push the substrate up to the sides and expose the cage floor. Also the Sani-Chips seemed so small and light that it would stick to the rodents that were slightly damp from being thawed out in water.

Do you use Cypress Mulch for your Bloods Kyle?
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1.1 Caramel Albinos
1.0 Spider
1.0 Mojave
1.0 Pinstripe
1.1 Piebalds
1.1 Het Caramel Albinos
0.3 Pastels
0.18 Normal Balls
1.0 Coastal Carpet Python
1.0 75% Diamond 25% Jungle Carpet Python
1.1 Red Albino Blood Pythons

I have used cypress mulch for years, but just trying to find something else that might work as well. Aspen for bloods doesn't work, it molds.

I would try spagnum moss if available in your area..
Tim