[Substrate] Thoughts on cypress bedding?

[Greenwood]

So I've ran out of aspen for my snakes and I've been kicking around the idea of trying cypress bedding like the Zoo Med or Reptile Basics stuff. What are your thoughts on it as far as those who have used it and aspen? I've heard a lot that it comes with wood mites in it. Anyone ever find this true? And how do your snakes seem to like the stuff? Find any sharp "prison shanks" in it? My humidity sits around 50% now so I wouldn't need it for humidity really although getting up to 60% I guess could be ok. It's mostly for just a change in scenery I guess as I've used aspen for a couple years now.

[Pandorasdad]

Re: Thoughts on cypress bedding?

I know lots of people use it. I myself don't. It can hold humidity well, but can be hard to find turds in.
There isn't a problem with using it.

[MolecularConcept]

Re: Thoughts on cypress bedding?

I use it I like it so far.

[Bigdog999]

Re: Thoughts on cypress bedding?

I've used it in the past when the snake was smaller. You get the disappearing snake act as they burrow in it. As Pandorasdad mentioned it can be hard to find their feces if they burrow. My snake is bigger now and on aspen.

[theartbook35]

Re: Thoughts on cypress bedding?

There are a couple problems that occur with cypress bedding over time: 1. Though uncommon, snakes have swallowed this bedding and ended up impacted. Granted, my boa sometimes swallows her aspen shavings while eating, but these are smaller and softer, and the cypress bedding is hard as a rock sometimes. 2. It holds in humidity really well, so well that mold started growing in my boa's house. The cleaning job I had to do when I discovered this!!!

For a different tropical species, which requires higher humidity, this stuff is great. For shedding, cypress is great for snakes too. But for red tails, it's really not ideal. I've never had a problem with aspen bedding, and my snake can burrow in it and rest comfortably. Sophie sheds fine with the aspen bedding, too. It will hold moisture for a little while, but not as long as the cypress.