Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can pine chippings be used for a black rat snake? I usually use aspen bedding but the store is sold out and it will probably be a while before they get some in. All they had was pine and cedar but I know for sure that you can't use cedar. Thanks.

I wouldn't use pine either. I think I would just use newspaper until the store can get more aspen. Or go to a home improvement store and get some Cypress Mulch.

I agree with Oldherper. You should look into cypress mulch or failing that, hardwood bark mulch. Either one will be better than pine bark chips which tend to be fairly aromatic although not as much as cedar. If you can't find any of that I'd just hold off and use newspaper until one of your local stores can get a more suitable mulch.

Matt Campbell

I'm just going to use newspaper until I can get some aspen. I saw some other stuff called "Critter Keeper" It looked like recycled paper. It seemed like it would carry mites or some other parasites.