Is Pine shavings deadly to snakes? - Experts Forum at VenomousReptiles.org

Is Pine shavings deadly to snakes?	Reply
by snapperman on September 9, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
Which would be more prudent to use? Pine Shavings, which you can easily buy from pet shops or sand for your snakes? I have heard some herpers say that the pine shavings can prove deadly? Has anyone else heard that? More importantly, is it a FACT? I am not looking for opinions on whether or not to use them. I am looking for FACTUAL statements from actual herpers who have used pine shavings and have had detrimental effects on their snakes from experience. I don't want to see statements like," Well, I prefer not to use them." and thats it. I desire more information. Kingsnake forums are notorious for that. I know alot of guys in here have been in the business for years! Thank you very much!!

RE: Is Pine shavings deadly to snakes?	Reply
by captiveherps on September 9, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
Pine sap is toxic, so I use different woods. Use chunks large enough not to be swallowed. I do not recommend sand for most snakes. Most need more humidity than sand can provide. It is also difficult/expensive to clean. Many people will say to just sift the sand but bacteria will be left behind. If you really want to use sand do not use the fine silica sand from harware stores unless you and your charges dont need lungs, it will cause damage when the dust is inhaled. Never use gravel as intestinal blockages can occure (I have seen it first hand when customers would bring snakes into the store I worked in)

RE: Is Pine shavings deadly to snakes?	Reply
by Phobos on September 9, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
Hi: Also never use Cedar shavings. They are toxic to snakes too. Corn cob bits are dangerous if ingested and absorb water, they cause obstructions. I use ESU Reptile Desert Blend Lizard Litter for my Desert snakes & Zoo Med Premium Repti Bark for my forest snakes. It may cost more than others but I have a lot of $$ invested in my animals. I have no interest in either, just a satisfied keeper. Good Luck Al

RE: Is Pine shavings deadly to snakes?	Reply
by timberrattlesnake89 on September 9, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
Al you are very right. Cedar is deadly not just to snake but to all reptiles and most maimals. I have seen a hamster go wacko when cedar was put in its cage. I think the best by far is cypress mulch. I have never had a snake ingest it. I don't care for sand it is too messy. Cypress is nice because it keeps in a lot of moister and that builds up the humidity. Also on top of cypress I sometimes will put moss. That also builds up humidity and if very decorative. Phillip

RE: Is Pine shavings deadly to snakes?	Reply
by Dadee on September 11, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I use the ZooMed Repti Bark as well for my snakes. I was told by our National Zoo resident Vet, that sand will harbor mites, if introduced in any way. That totally turns me away from using any sand, even for my desert species. I have not used pine, for the simple fact that it's way too absorbent. I have no working knowledge on whether it's dangerous or not, just from what other herpers have pointed out. I thought I would only respond for those thinking of using sand. Regards, Matt

RE: Is Pine shavings deadly to snakes?	Reply
by ronwill on September 11, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I use Aspen bedding and have done so for many years. There are no oils that can harm your animals and it is readily available at pet stores.

RE: Is Pine shavings deadly to snakes?	Reply
by Dadee on September 12, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I do the same as Ron with my humid craving snakes. Aspen is by far better than any of the other "litters". It comes compacted and can be scattered really easy. The Vet at the National Zoo recommended the aspen to me. I use the reptibark for the desert species I have. Matt

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