Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I know everyone says, DON'T USE PINE SHAVINGS FOR SUBSTRATE!!! I know pine containt toxic oils at low levels and cedar is much worse. However, my question is,

Has anyone on here actually had a snake die from pine? Whether it be as a substrate or whatever. Most of us who breed our own rats use pine shavings for the rats. They must get pine on them and when we feed them, they must have residue from the shavings. I guess what I'm trying to find out is, are the phenyl levels actually high enough in pine shavings to do any real damage to a ball.

Oh and not to be rude, but unless you have had a snake die from pine, or you have actual evidence that answers this question, please refrain from posting. I don't want opinions, I want experience and facts.

Thanks,
Jared

I use pine shavings as a substrate for my snakes and have done so for decades. I have a milk snake that will turn 21 years of age this summer. It is true that certain types of wood with resins MAY be toxic (including pine) but the amount of resin varies in different trees and how wood chips are processed affects the amount of resin in the final product. Resins are probably more of an irritant than snakes avoid that a cause of death.

Tim

Third Eye