Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is anyone using cypress mulch for their kings or other colubrids? If so is the concern valid for ingestion during eating since it is much harder and sharper than aspen bedding? Thanks.

I use it for species that need more over all humidity such as some milksnakes and ratsnakes. I use aspen for kingsnakes.
You could definatly use cypress for kingsnakes but I would want it to dry quite a bit first because it's generally very damp right out of the bag. The little pet shop bags might not be wet in the bag but large bags from garden centers are basically wet right out of the bag.
Cypress mulch also makes a good alternative to spagnum moss as a substrate to use in moist hides. It holds moisture well without growing mold and is cheaper although not as good as cypress mulch for burrowing in.
I use cypress mulch for several species of snakes at all times and feed directly on it just as I do with snakes I keep on aspen. Just don't put thawed rodents that are not totally dry on them before feeding.

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Randy Whittington

Last sentence should have read, "Just don't place thawed rodents on either substrate before they are totally dry."

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Randy Whittington

Thanks a bunch for the info!

Sorry guys, I really should start proof reading before posting. I meant sphagnum moss is better for burrowing.
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Randy Whittington

Coir fiber, or coir mixed with some playsand, (or a soil mix) is more benign in my opinion. If some is ingested, it will not do damage like a sharp sliver of wood can, even if that rarely happens. And kings will dig in coir or soil mixture, and they love doing it, as long as your cage allows for at least a few inches of depth. Seems a good strategy to let them dig and conserve moisture that way. Just another avenue for you to consider.