Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have Colombian Black Tegu & cypress mulch is the absolute best substrate for him, so I have a constant supply just laying around...would it be a bad idea to use it for a cali king?

I wouldn't recommend it. Aspen is best for a cali king. I've had some experience with cypress causing respiratory issues in snakes.
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Holly

1.0 Florida Kingsnake (Eddie Gein)
1.0 Bearded Dragon (Charley Manson)
1.0 Fire Skink (Peter Dinsdale)
1.0 Vietnamese Golden Gecko (George Chapman)
0.0.1 Blue Day Gecko (Joe Ball)
1.0 Orange Marmalade Cat (Oliver)
1.0 Black Cat (Shadowfax)
1.0 Tennessee Walking Horse (Durango)

2.0 Toddlers (Justice & Trevor)

aye, thats weird usually cypress is really good for reptiles and the likes? are you sure you don't mean cedar?

I'm quite positive that I mean cypress. Cedar is totally inappropriate for anything other than feeder mice or hamsters, but I have had issues with cypress around snakes.

I would definitely recommend aspen shavings.
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Holly

1.0 Florida Kingsnake (Eddie Gein)
1.0 Bearded Dragon (Charley Manson)
1.0 Fire Skink (Peter Dinsdale)
1.0 Vietnamese Golden Gecko (George Chapman)
0.0.1 Blue Day Gecko (Joe Ball)
1.0 Orange Marmalade Cat (Oliver)
1.0 Black Cat (Shadowfax)
1.0 Tennessee Walking Horse (Durango)

2.0 Toddlers (Justice & Trevor)

alright thanks for the advice I'll definaly follow the advice thanks =D

My opinion is that it is better to provide an essentially dry substrate, then reduce dessication of the snake by other means, like tight hides, reduced ventilation and perhaps an occasional 5 minute soak in 1/4inch of water if necessary.

I've had very good results with using a coir/sand mixture or else aspen or sani-chip. I often "stretch" the wood chip substrates by adding inexpensive dry pine shavings.
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Mark