Just wondering if it was OK to use pine shavings as bedding?
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Snake bedding
RULE6660
Oct 22, 2005 12:04 PM
Replies (2)
JaysonJ
Oct 22, 2005 03:57 PM
I dont think pine is ok to use because many are toxic to snakes. If you want to use something similiar just use aspen for bedding, or just paper towels and unprinted newspaper.
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0.0.1 Elaphe guttata (Blaze)
Yea I'm a N00b!
rhallman
Oct 22, 2005 04:21 PM
Use Aspen if you want to use any type of wood shavings. Pine shavings have pine oil which can be an irritant to herps. Cedar should definitely be avoided as well. The aromatic nature of cedar is also an irritant and can affect the tissues of the respiratory and other systems of your animals.
Change the shavings frequently because as it starts to break down it can harbor mold, bacteria and parasites. You may occasionally see a small bug in the cage bedding called a springtail. They are about the size of a mite so make sure you diagnose them correctly. Springtails are not parasitic to the snake and they feed on decaying organic matter like moist wood and snake feces. When you see them it is definitely time to clean the cage and change the bedding.
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Randy Hallman
