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I am aware that aspen is a primary bedding for Ball's... They were out at the pet store today so I bought a bag of Pine (only to ask the experts if its okay before I use it).

Is Pine shavings okay to use on Balls?

*** I know Cedar is a recipe for disaster..... So I thought I'de ask. Thanks!

Pine isn't a good choice for any snake...they seem more sensitive to Pine and especially Cedar oils/toxins than other animals. I wouldn't use it for your ball python at all. Use it for rats or other rodents, if you need to, or take it back.

I am sure your ball pythons can manage on paper towel or newspaper till the store gets more aspen. Or better yet, check seed/feed stores, they often have huge bags of aspen or even Beta chips which are hardwood chips.
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PHLdyPayne

It's usually cheaper then pet stores as well.
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"What is man without the beasts?
If all the beasts were gone,
men would die from great loneliness of spirit.
For what happens to the beasts,
soon happens to men.
All things are connected."

-Chief Seattle (Duwamish Tribe)

Ok, this a reply to the aspen shavings and pine shavings. I also noticed that someone mentioned wood chips. I know everyone has their own favorite to use and I do not in anyway discourage the use of it if it is non-harmful to the animals as far as oil toxins or any other toxins go. My experience with wood chips was a one time experience. I had a macklots python and decided to try the chips because someone at the petsore recomended it. It wasn't very long after that he started to shed and was using the side of the cage as leverage and a chip got stuck between him and the cage. Lets just say it punctured his side. I wasn't to happy to say the least. Not to say it was a bad substrate, but often times it takes only one time for something to happen and you don't want to take a chance on it happening again. Aspen is a good substrate to use, but along with many of the other wood substrates out there it can harbor pesky unwated mites. We all know that routine. I prefer the substrate that comes in a compacted square. You take it, place it in water, watch it expand and distribute in the cage. It still comes with the chance of harboring mites, but I like it. Other than that I would suggest, aspen, newspaper (inexpensive and easy to clean, but not aesthetically pleasing) or paper towels (same as newspaper). Ultimately, you are the one responsible for your reptile and the one who decides what works for him/her and you.

the stuff that comes in the block. what is that?
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This is courage.. to bear unflinching what heaven sends. -unknown

1.0 Basset Hound (Capone)
1.1 cats (San Quinton and Gracie)

It's coconut fibers and something else. It reminds me of topsoil. I will check for the name of it the next time I am at the pet store.

far as i know its just the 'hair' off coconuts. However there is another type that is a mix of coconut fibers and chunks and the brick appears chunky...whereas the 'hair' looks very much like a typical clay brick. (*except coarser and of course brown instead of grey).
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PHLdyPayne

Eco earth?

i personally like the coconut shavings that u can get a petco i tried aspen it smells really bad with balls so i only use it for corns and kings
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Ball Pythons
1.0 normal
0.1 Black Back
1.0 Yellow Belly
Corns
0.1 bloodred amel
0.1.0 normal (wild caught)
Kingsnakes
1.0 desert king

thats odd, my aspen has little to no smell after the first day or so.
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This is courage.. to bear unflinching what heaven sends. -unknown

1.0 Basset Hound (Capone)
1.1 cats (San Quinton and Gracie)