Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm out here in Las Vegas. I can't find cypress mulch anywhere, and shipping on something like that is pretty expensive. Does anyone know a place where I could find it.

Also, I hear repetedly that cedar is not a good choice for reptiles. Does anyone have the answer to why it is not good for them? I've heard it was poisonoius to rodents, but I have my mice and rats breeding in red cedar chips and they have no problems.

Is cedar and Red cedar the same? The only mulch I find here is either red cedar, or mixed random wood compost mulch without description of the woods used. Only other option is to resort back to pet stores and their outrageous prices. (2) 8x4 cages are hard to fill at those prices, though.

Appreciate any help I can find,
Mikal

I too am on the West Coast and have a hell of a time finding Cypress. I use and have used an alternate bark mulch by Whitney Farms for a few years. It comes in a clear/green labeled bag and is cheap and easy to find here in Fred Meyer or Home Depot. As far as Cedar goes, it is poison to reptiles. It has something to do with the oils in the wood if I remember correctly. Best of luck!
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Peace!
KofSeattle
Reptile-Like
Here lizard lizard.........

Cedar is toxic to reptiles, Pine is not toxic, but pine has issues with mold and intestinal blockages.

If you have a local farm supply place, like Agway, that you frequent but do not see Cypress Mulch you should ask the manager if they can order it for you. I am in Maine and no one carries Cypress Mulch, but I have it ordered for like $3.50 a bag.

Rick
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The Tegu Community - theTegu.com

First of all thank you for both of your quick responses.

I did some research after I posted the message. I came accross this link, which if you're interested in continued reading, there are several links that support the same information.
http://www.anapsid.org/cedar.html

Basically is spells out that Cedar and pine as well as other soft woods have aromatics including hydrocarbons, cedrene and cadrol. Spells out that these affect small animals, humans, and reptiles by skin irritation, repiratory tract damage.

Reproductive rates may be affected, and cancer risks raise.

The affect on reptiles is more of an assumption due to the tests they've had on small animals. Lack of fir and feathers could increase the skin irritation, however, colder body temperatures and metabolism when animal is ill, will slow down internal problems.

Studies on humans have been on people working in the industries around those woods and found that they tend to have problems related to the chemicals in the wood compared to those who don't.

Pine, however is not found to be nearly as harmful cedar because it is not as aromatic, it's still thought to be a health problem that over time, will affect the health and well being of your animal. Several alternatives are offered to these soft woods.

Thought I would share this useful information. I'm dumping all cedar and pine in my house. Hope this helped some people out there.

Mikal Kintner
2.1 Red Tegus
1.2 B/w Arg Tegus
0.1 Blue Tegu
0.0.1 Col. Tegu
1.1 Blood Python
2.5 Col. Redtailed boas
0.0.1 California King Snake
0.2 Pitbull terrier

The Petco (yeah I know, I know) near my house has recently started carrying cypress mulch in 8 and 11 quart bags. Not cheap, the 11 quart bag is $10 and 11 quarts really isnt much for a big enclosure. I was shocked when I saw the bag and it clearly says "Cypress Mulch" on it, it's by T-Rex I believe. If you don't already, you could start checking there.
-Beth

Yes. Petco has alternatives here in Vegas as well. But it's just not realistic keeping two 8 x 4 enclosures along with my smaller reptariums clean when it's costing $1 per quart. I've contacted nursery's down here, and they all create their own mulch with local tree farms (mostly pine). I'll have to keep looking The other thing I need soon is a swamp cooler. Summer time is quickly on its way, and garage temperatures will soon be well over 100 with less than 20% humidity.

Mikal Kintner