Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey, I just cleaned my corn's cage and used a new substrate. I thought i was buying the stuff I had before, but I was wrong. I used the stuff from ASU Reptiles called "Lizard Litter." Well, the stuff I bought has the same name, from the same company, but has a newer looking package. On the front of the package, it says that it has white fir and eucalyptus chips in it. I don't think that the old stuff had eucalyptus in it. I am beginning to get worried because the substrate has an odor. I hope that I am not poisoning my little corn! Please help me with sugesstions. I am really worried about the eucalyptus because I'm pretty sure it's toxic to eat for most animals. What should I do?
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***** Brandon *****

0.0.1 White's Tree Frog
1.0 Creamsicle Cornsnake
corn_snake_dude@yahoo.com

Wow, that rhymes maybe I can rap too? Probably not, but seriously folks…… If you are not sure about the substrate take it out. The Eucalyptus chips, I don’t think, are harmful but it is the same family of oil that they make mentholyptus from, you know the stuff in Vicks vapor rub and menthol cigarettes, so it is probably not good either. I would take it out if I were not sure.
Good luck
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Jim Hopkins "Hoppy"
Hopkins Holesale Herps
Hopfam1@aol.com

Okay, I am going to put some paper towels in instead. What should I do for substrate from now on? Thank you so much, hoppy for the quick reply and advice. I was sort of panicing there for a minute!
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***** Brandon *****

0.0.1 White's Tree Frog
1.0 Creamsicle Cornsnake
corn_snake_dude@yahoo.com

I now have paper towels in his cage. I feel bad for him because now his cage is hideous and plain! What substrate should I put in now? Anyone?
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***** Brandon *****

0.0.1 White's Tree Frog
1.0 Creamsicle Cornsnake
corn_snake_dude@yahoo.com

I use shredded aspen for all my snakes. When they're hatchlings I usually start them out on paper towels or newspaper, then I use aspen when they get a little size on them. Either one is an excellent choice.

Steve

I just checked out your site. Looks pretty cool! I was just noticing a few of your pictures on the site. I am curious what the substrate is in your pics??? Thanks!
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***** Brandon *****

0.0.1 White's Tree Frog
1.0 Creamsicle Cornsnake
corn_snake_dude@yahoo.com

During the summer months when my snakes are not breeding or expecting babies I will use cypress mulch as a substrate. However I keep forty plus snakes when I am not keeping babies and over 300 at baby time so I will normally use just newspaper. But if you want a more natrual look then cypress mulch from your garden center works well too.
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Jim Hopkins "Hoppy"
Hopkins Holesale Herps
Hopfam1@aol.com

I use aspen in all of my enclosures (shoe boxes to aquariums).
It is easy to spot clean, not dusty, creates another hide because they like to burrow through it, looks pretty good, is fairly cheap and my snakes do not have problems shedding so it obviously isn't detrimental to decent humidity levels.
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Remember, My posts are MY opinion only!
Jimmy (draybar)

Thanks everyone for the advice! I will have to see if I can find some aspen at the local pet store. Thanks for your help.
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***** Brandon *****

0.0.1 White's Tree Frog
1.0 Creamsicle Cornsnake
corn_snake_dude@yahoo.com