I recently posted questions about humidity...I got a load of feedback. This is a great forum, and folks are very helpful.
I got a call from a friend (who lives in a dry climate) who read the post, and he encouraged me to try cypress mulch as a substrate. He said it's dirty, but sterile, and will definitely resolve the problem. SO...I'm trying it, and so far I'm very pleased, because it seems my snakes are as well. The humidity issue is resolved, and best of all: I don't have to be constantly concerned about refilling my humidifiers.
The bedding heats up pretty well also, so the temperature gradient is still in place. I also like the look of the mulch...sort of a natural feel to it. My male het took to it immediately.
I have shied away from this type of substrate for a couple of reasons-- the messiness, and a concern that I could actually end up with problems of the humidity being too high (even for Bloods). My friend assured me that he's never had an adverse situation from the use of cypress.
ANYHOW, my female is breathing easy now. I haven't heard a wheeze from her in days. I can spot clean the mulch and replenish as needed, and an occasional splash of water keeps the humidity in a proper range.
All the best-
Jim Lineberger
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"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he can never lose." (quote from Jim Elliott, "Shadow of the Almighty"
