Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking of switching from newspaper to pine shavings for substrate but I have heard snakes can become impacted from this. My question is, has anyone personally had a snake have a problem with this type of substrate? I have heard alot of stories, but never a personal account. I am thinking most of the stories about impaction are from back when people used to use the corn type substrate. Any help is appreciated.

I have used pine shavings before and they seemed fine. I liked their darker coloring and larger size as opposed to the Aspen. I stopped using them because I read so many things saying the have oils and fumes that bother the snakes. I see alot of people who make enclosures from pine however? They way I see it is why take the chance? Go with Cypress, it holds the moisture and looks really natural in a display setup.

Alan

I wouldn't use pine as it can be toxic. Aspen is fine to use - tho impaction from it is reare it does occur - if you are feeding on it - the greater risk would be getting a piece stuck in the mouth creating sores which will fester.
-----
Tosha

"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"

7.33.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Anakin Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Verdi - yeah I know but my kids love the book)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Desert Tortoise (Pope John Paul aka JP )
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.2 frogs rescued from pool skimmer

Hello, I have used pine shavings before, and I highly recommend not using it. I have had two Ball Pythons develop Respiratory Infections from it. I would recommend using Aspen, works great for me!

Thanks, Brian Cox
CoxReptiles

Yup I got aspen as well, great product for small animals and certain herps.