Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i've had my king for about 4 months. i recently changed the bedding in his tank. before i changed it i was using aspen shavings. my pet store didn't have the aspen this time so i got douglas fir shavings with eucalyptus. i noticed with the aspen my snake was much more docile, mainly hanging out in one of his two hides. since i switched the new bedding, it has been much more active, exploring the tank, looking for ways to escape. its feeding and shedding normally, and doesn't mind being handled. i was wondering if its increased activity could be due to the new bedding, and if i should be concerned.

I would recommend changing the bedding immediately, you should never use a bedding with oils or aromas especially strong ones. The eucalyptus could (mostly likely is) irritating the snake.

Miller

>>i've had my king for about 4 months. i recently changed the bedding in his tank. before i changed it i was using aspen shavings. my pet store didn't have the aspen this time so i got douglas fir shavings with eucalyptus. i noticed with the aspen my snake was much more docile, mainly hanging out in one of his two hides. since i switched the new bedding, it has been much more active, exploring the tank, looking for ways to escape. its feeding and shedding normally, and doesn't mind being handled. i was wondering if its increased activity could be due to the new bedding, and if i should be concerned.
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1.1 Florida King
1.1 Eastern Kings
1.1 Black Milksnake
0.1 Honduran
1.1 Kankakee Bull Snakes
2.2 N. Pinesnake
0.0.1 Black Ratsnake
1.0 Chow Chow (2003 Papi)
0.1 Cats (Shug)

yea......I'd take it out.......

aspen, paper, cypress....cypress ,not blended cypress with cedar....
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Yeah, I don't even really recommend cypress at all. My corns were on it when I rescued them. The smell was almost as potent as cedar, but it wasn't the cypress/cedar mix... just plain cypress.

I would totally suggest aspen, paper towels, newspaper, or even ground coconut husks.
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Holly

0.1 Lavender California Kingsnake (Lizzie Borden) (missing )
1.0 Florida Kingsnake (Eddie Gein)
0.0.2 Cornsnakes (Lyle & Erik Menendez)
1.0 Bearded Dragon (Charley Manson)
1.0 Orange Marmalade Cat (Oliver)
1.0 Black Cat (Shadowfax)
1.0 Egyptian Arabian (Bagan) (Deceased )
1.0 Tennessee Walking Horse (Durango)

2.0 Toddlers (Justice & Trevor)

I was curious if you've come across any good resources for kingsnakes in the past week or so. last time I checked your post you didn't know of any... that was worth a good laugh...

daveb

(female ghost laughing...)

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in the light, you will find the road...

I totally agree, eucalyptus is very strong and is probably why the snake is trying so hard to escape.
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Todd Hughes

AGREE!!
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R.Bichlers Colubrids
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rbichler/index.html

i changed it back to the aspen. snake seems to be calmed down. thanks, herpo's.