Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know several ball python keepers like and use cypress mulch, but I wanted to hear from anyone else that uses cypress mulch for their reptilian enclosures. I am debating switching over several of my enclosures to cypress bedding instead of newspaper or aspen (it just looks better).

Let me know the pro's and cons that you all know on this..

Thanks in advance
Later
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com

Hi Randy, I've used cypress quite a bit.

It's attractive, holds humidity well without growing mold, and can even be used relatively dry. It's also easy to spot clean.

However, even though I've used it for years, I still worry about accidental ingestion. As much as possible I try to feed off of plastic trays or some other sort of barrier. Still does not protect the snake that graps a thawed rodent and drags it elsewhere.

If you're the type who prefers separate feeding containers it's an excellent choice. If you're the type who individually feeds and observes each animal it's a good choice. If you only have the time to toss rodents into cages and check back 24 hours later there may be a small risk.

For my collection and the species I keep I'm probably going to switch over to the compressed bricks of recycled material that you soak in water to re-expand. Honestly, it's more for my peace of mind that actually believing cypress is unsafe.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

I am one of those who feed and watch the animal (collection is still not too big to have to toss in feeder and move on, thankfully). Watching and making sure they eat is one of the few relaxing times a week I have (I have 3 kids all under 5, and another on the way) lol
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com

>>Watching and making sure they eat is one of the few relaxing times a week I have (I have 3 kids all under 5, and another on the way)

I can understand that. Unfortunately the species I keep don't take kindly to being watched while feeding. Well that is unless you can hold your breath for several minutes and stay as still as a mime. That's another reason I plan to switch from cypress.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)