Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have seen multiple ball python keepers using cypress mulch, and wondered if any boa keepers used it.. (I am currently using a small amount in a hide box for a few of my females).

As far as I know there are no issues using cypress for bedding, and if nobody knows of any issues I think I will switch over to cypress in many of my enclosures (it is dirt cheap at under 4 dollars for a 3 square foot bag, and far more attractive then newspaper or even aspen.)
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com

Use any kinds of wood chips available at any pet store, (even mulched coconut shell), so long as it is no kind of coniferous bark or chips, as it is poisonous to reptiles. Now cypress is great, and holds moisture well, try not to saturate it though because it may mold, as does most other chips. The only other issue would be during feeding time, in the wild boas injest many kinds of vegetation while feeding and under normal situations will just defecate it, a low percentage however, may cause impactions. So, my advice to you is to feed your boa either out of his/her cage, or serve it on a newspaper platter. (which is what I do with mine). Good luck.

I wouldn't chance using cypress. although inexpensive, it isn't a gamble I'd personaly take, just because it's a soft wood.

Hey Randy, I use Cypress mulch, and love the stuff. It holds moisture very well and what I have done is what Rich Ihle does, he puts his in a plastic box and sets it over hot spot to help increase humidity in cage and give variety to temp zones within cage. I once bought a bag at walmart and it looked much lighter, and reaing ingredients it said it was a mixture. I threw it out, I will not take chances. Get pure cypress and you will be fine. You cannot use cedar or any aeromatics, such as even normal pine shavings. Plus pine gum is no good for their skin. Remember whach out for mice and rats bred in cedar chips also. The stuff is toxic.

Keeping the cypress in a rubbermaid keeps the cage clean and newspaper is great for easy cleanup. Hope this helps Andy Federico

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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com

I use it and it works better then aspen IMO,easier to clean then carpet. I also beleive my snakes are to good for newspaper and deserve better so they get it.Cant beat the price either.Just pick out the big chunks and use enough for about 1 inch depth.
It hold moisture really well and will not mildew or cause fungus/mold.I`ve founf KMarts to have even cheaper prices the Lawn shops(which generally comes loaded with ants)Several top of the line breeders also bed their critters in Cypress.
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T/
Money Only Wished It Had The Control Over The World That FEAR Does !