Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone notice a difference in feeding response between the use of newspaper or aspen as bedding?

Thanks,
Glenn

I don't use aspen I use Cypress mulch. I had used newspaper for probably around 8 years and 2 years ago I decided to switch over. I first just switched about a quarter of my animals to see if there would be any adverse effects in feeding or respiratory. After about three months of not seeing any problems I switched the rest of my balls over to the Cypress and have been using it ever since.

George Knaack
GLK HERP

Hey George,

Where's a good place to get clean cypress mulch? Can you get it by mail order?

Thanks,
Glenn

I normally get mine at Lowes Home Improvement, however I have seen it a number of other places. I would check at your local home Improvement store, most of them have an outdoor section. You can also check out landscaping companies in your area. I have heard it is harder to get in California so if that is where you live you might have check around a bit more. As for shipping I'm sure you can get it that way but unless you are ordering a truck load it's going to be cost prohibitive.

George

George,

Do you find any bugs in the bedding?

Glenn

I have never come across any, however I have heard of other people having that problem. I doubt any bug found in the Cypress is going to be a harm to the animal just more of an annoyance to you. You can also treat it with something like Prevent a Mite and that will get rid of any that might be there.

George

I am thinking about switching to cypress also. I have heard that zoo med's forrest floor is cypress, and it has been treated so there are no bugs in it. I guess the stuff from the home stores would be ok if it is not colored. I would also like to hear others reports on it. I have tried shredded coconut shells mostly because it says it is not harmful if swallowed, my animals seem to be doing ok on it, but like a lot of people, I am still looking for that perfect substrate, one that looks natural and is good for the animals.

Don't know about aspen, but in The Ball Python Manual, the Barkers suggest trying grass or leaf litter to stimulate the appetite of stubborn balls. Never tried it, so I don't know if it works.