Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Are pine shavings ok to use in the enclosure? I am getting tired of the same old reptile carpet I have used for years. If not pine shavings is there anything anyone can recommend, pictures of your enclosures with the recommended bedding would be great.
Foot Hill Reptiles

I use reptibark...cypress mulch or aspen

Aspen is just like pine isn't it? The main reason I ask about pine is I have a couple hundred pounds of it. I use it for my mice and hamsters so I buy it in bulk
Foot Hill Reptiles

No its not. Pine has aromatic oils that can cause respiritory infections. Aspen does not.

So then aspen shavings it is
Foot Hill Reptiles

Pine and aspen are two different types of trees....Pine are soft wood and Coniferous.. aspen is hard wood, deciduous. But the main reason why pine isn't good for snakes (not all that great for rodents either to be honest, for the same reasons) because of the aromic oils (gives pine that piney smell) Aspen and other hardwoods don't have these same oils which don't end up causing problems, usually by acting as an irritatent.
-----
PHLdyPayne

Do not use pine. It has aromatic oils in it that can cause respiratory issues. I personally use aspen but I know that cypress is also acceptable, but do not use pine at all. It is not worth the risk.

I use Eco-Earth mixed with Cyprus bark great for humidity and the snakes seem to love it.

I have had problems before with humidity and ecoearth molding. Seemed to be hard to get any moisture in the enclosure without it molding. Do you have a close up of your enclosures? How is it for cleaning? Just scoop it out?
Foot Hill Reptiles

I spot clean once a week and also turn over the dirt so it can get some air never had any problems with mold the wood has been sealed so no problems all my snakes have had great sheads since I changed over. Here is a pic of my Dumeril hiding in his cage.

How thick do you keep it?
Foot Hill Reptiles

4 inches

Ok thanks. I guess it also depends on how manageable the enclosure is to work with. I have one enclosure for Corn Snakes that has 2 small doors. Big enough to get your hand in and get a snake or remove the reptile carpet but not very manageable for substrait like that so I use reptile carpet in it. However the enclosures with full lids that can be removed may work out well if set up like yours.
Foot Hill Reptiles

This one is 48" long 28" wide and 20" tall very easy to deal with. But back on the topic never use anything pine you will have nothing but problems.

Ok will do, thanks for the help. I kept a Burmese Python on shavings years ago but I don't remember what kind of shavings they were. A lot of the shavings I used back then I made myself. cheaper getting the old drill out and using it on my big log pile than buying them. I am sure there was some pine missed in but more than likely not enough to cause a problem. If I am not mistaken most of the pile was redwood.
Foot Hill Reptiles

I use the coconut fibers... It has helped tremendously with the humidity issue and my snake seems to like it. I have tried the repti-bark, but it gets too wet I think... DONT USE PINE!!! Good luck

Teri