Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I been hearing mixed views on this stuff. I'm interested in using it so i'll ask you guys and gals. Do you typically use the bug treated version or just the plan ole' jumbo yard bag stuff from homedepote. I've heard to bake it but that would very time consuming for a large number of cages.

u dont need the bug treated stuff treat it yourself with 150 degrees of heat for an hour to an hour and a half

I buy cypress mulch at a nursery. I want to know that it is 100% cypress mulch with no other additives or ingredients... the stuff at the Depot and Walmart is NOT.

I have had no problems with the pure mulch from the nursery. It retains humidity and it's coarse consistency aids in shedding. It is easily sprayed with fine mist water to rehumidify. Good stuff!
Susan - SSNAKES

I've been using it for the past few years and I love it. I keep everything except for my hatchlings on it. I feed on it, breed on it, and acclimate wild caughts on it. During certain times of years you'll see some small nat-like bugs in it, but they are totally harmless.

Go with the straight Lowes or Home Depot stuff, but try to find the double or triple shredded stuff.

Oz
-----
OZZYBOIDS

Cypress is great stuff. I use it for all my snakes except hatchlings. I can't readily get it in the North East so I buy lots of it when I am in the midwest or south and its available. I just picked up about 30 bags when I went through Ohio last week. I buy the coarse shredded stuff for about $2 for a large bag at Home Depot or Lowes. It's a good idea to heat treat the mulch to kill any bugs or eggs that may be in it. I have found the easiest method to do this is to fill a 4-5 quart plastic bag with mulch and use a twist tie to secure the top. I then put the bag in a microwave and nuke it for about 3-4 minutes or however long it takes to "steam" mulch. Then remove the plastic bag (careful it will be hot) and set it aside to cool. The plastic keeps the steam and heat in for quite a while. I have never had a bug problem when I do this.
Grant

I think papertowels are much better mainly SAVER. If I was to use mulch it would be stricktly for houseing DEFINEATLY would not feed my snakes on it. They can get it stuck in thier mouth and can cause death or serious injury. Got a CH babie the other day looked fine got home and noticed wasnt eating so after closer inspection checkin for mouth rot and such noticed a small wood / mulch chip in his throat it was in there for a while because it was kind of soft..So thats why I believe mulch is terrible!!!!