Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have heard different things about each, enlighten me!! I am useing reptile carpet and paper towels for my babies right now. They are doing fine on that but I just want to get something a little more interesting for them. I have a HUGE fear of resperatory infections though, by BP had one and it was a real pain so I am hesitent to get any thing that has more particles than towels/astroturf. Thanks everybody!!!!!!!

This is just my experience...I've used reptile bark for my corns and milk and they are doing just fine with it. If it gets soiled I just remove the soiled area. It's like scooping a cat litter box. I haven't had any problems with respirtory problems at all. I've read respiratory problems can be more caused by keeping snakes at cooler temps then the substrate. But I suppose some can be 'allergic' to it like people with allergies. I like the bark as it looks natural and smell nice to me. It is a bit strong smelling right out of the bag but that goes away in a short time. I have a jungle carpet python that I want to use the reptile bark. Right now she's on newspaper because she had mites but it's not very pleasing to the eye. :0)

Right now she's on newspaper because she had mites but it's not very pleasing to the eye. :0)

If you have one snakes with mites, all your snakes will probably get them. You should put all your snakes on a simpler substrate and treat all your cages with Provent-a-mite. If you simply treat one cage, the problem will come back in a few weeks and you will be constantly battling it.

As for the substrate preferences....

Pine is not a good idea. There is some evidence that the oils can lead to respiratory problems in both rodents and reptiles.

Bark is OK, but it is hard to tell when it is dirty and therefore your cages are never likely to be as clean.

Aspen shavings are the best in my experience.
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Chris Harrison

...he was beginning to realize he was the creature of a god that appreciated the discomfort of his worshippers - W. Somerset Maugham

it has been my expierence that pine is fine for rodents,but it is too dusty for snakes.aspen is great.little or no dust and it looks good against the animal.reptile or "orchid bark"works o.k.
it holds moisture very well & is easy to clean.i have watched my snakes drag a mouse through the water bowl & then pick up pieces of bark.it stuck to the rodent & then got stuck in the snakes mouth.snakes don't seem to be able to spit so you might image how fun it was to "help"my 8 ft carpet python remove bark chunks from her mouth!1 use shredded cypress.it hold moisture every bit as well as reptile bark & the long strands don't get picked up as easily.for my ball pythons & king snakes i use CARE FRESH.it is paper pulp.it is expensive,gray,& rather plain looking.it also can be used wet or dry,can be treated for mites,is very easy to clean,&,like aspen,allows the snake to make burrows if it wants to.

Have to go with aspen...for all the reasons stated above. I do cypress on some snakes with no problem as it gives that "natural look". I also favor spagnum moss for those snakes that need a moist (frequent misting)enviroment.
Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

THanks everybody. Me thinks it shall be aspen!!

Loki says thanks

I use Repti-Bark and aspen. For me, it depends a lot on what the humidity requirements are for my snakes. Repti for high humidity
& aspen for low. Aspen tends to stick to my snakes when it's wet. It also depends on the color of the snake. I like to use Repti-Bark for my lighter colored ones, and aspen for my darker ones.
Cricket