Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've seen a few posts other than this forum that would lead you to believe that this is a relatively safe practice. Not neo's or juvie's, but 6 footer's and up. Because of the small shavings and soft texture some believe that there is little or no chance if some shavings were ingested that it would not "pass." I would love to switch from paper to aspen, but I will always feed in the cage and I don't want to risk a digestive obstruction. What does everyone think?

It is only my opinion, that if a very small amount were to be ingested at time of feeding the risks of obstructions would be very minimal. However, I do not like to allow any risk. I choose to use newspaper, even on neonates. I have heard even babies have swallowed paper towels while feeding. I cannot see a baby swallowing a sheet of the new york times, haha. I will continue with newspaper and only when I have more money than I know what to do with will I switch to corrugated cage liners. Just use your aspen or cypress in a small low sided rubbermaid. This gives the boa or python the choice of where to be and also gives you the area for feeding. Cleaning is better too. Just my 2 cents... Andy Federico

I have used it in the past , and I like news paper more now.
It is nice to look at and looks comfy for the snakes but the risks are not worth it to me, I l ost some boas that sufficated from aspen shavings in the throat.
But if you want to use it by all means use it and if you are worried about feeding, just put them in a feeding tub, I know that takes more time if you have a lot of snakes but you won't risk any downsides if any to the Aspen bedding.
JMO
Nick

I think I'll try the low sided bin idea on the non-feeding end of her cage. If she makes a mess of that it's Wall Street forever. No way can I entertain the thought of feeding her outside of her cage. Six footer w/DEMONIC feeding responce.