So this is what happens when she won't listen...

[lizardminion]

As usual, my mom thought she would assume the position as expert, and bought my little python a huge bag of this stuff. I don't know if this is non-toxic or so, although I do know it is veering on the unsuitable side for ball pythons. And, conflicts like these could be avoided if I were taken to select products for my pets because I spend a lot of time- just about too much time for a matter of fact- researching this stuff. The last time she pulled this kind of stunt, she totally screwed my hermit crab project. (It was a mess. :cry But, well what's done is done. My mom is stubborn that I use what she buys and there's no point of return for these impulsive product purchases. Now, before I dare use this substrate to hold off until I get a proper substrate, (i.e. aspen or cypress) I would like to know if I can safely use this with my ball python and extra feeder mice. (Don't ask, my dad just would prefer to buy two mice than one for some odd reason. lol) Could I use this substrate and not have to worry for my pets? I'm not entirely sure our current economic situation could permit any vet visits at this time, so I'm being extra careful about this stuff.

 

[le-thomas]

I used this stuff for my corn snake and blue beauty rat snake (not pythons, I know) and everything went totally fine.

 

[jarmst4]

I don't know what you think could be wrong with that. Don't be so hard on your parents, your lucky you have some that care enough to be interested in your hobby. Nothing wrong with free supplies.

 

[cmack91]

It's perfectly fine. I use coco (eco-earth bricks) because it's cheaper, lasts longer, holds moisture way better, and imo looks way better.

 

[Quazgar]

Reptibark is made from the bark of fir trees and will be completely safe for your ball python. Depending on your personal preference you may or may not like the look of it, but it is perfectly fine for snakes.

 

[Nikki1984]

I set my snake tanks up half repti-bark and half coconut granules. It's just fine. They roll through the bark when they shed.

 

[Entomancer]

Reptibark is awesome.

The only kinds of animal bedding I'd never use for reptiles/amphibians are cedar or pine shavings, or that carefresh paper stuff. I use cypress "mulch" for my ball python, because it hold moisture well, and reptibark does a great job of that too.

I echo the others here. Be glad your parents are doing this for you, and that you don't need to worry about hiding your snake(s) under your bed.

 

[cantthinkofone]

There is not one thing wrong with that substrate. reptibark is a great substrate and i think you went way overboard. almost any substrate is fine for more hardy snakes such as yours. at least you didn't have to spend your money. be happy your mom was at least buying substrate that is useable. zoomed makes great products that are very helpful. And its hard to say your an expert when from what i know all you have is a BP,and you still live with your parents which puts you anywhere from 10-18 years of age. At least wait till you have bred or helped breed, handled a fair amount of snakes, know the proper care for ALOT of snakes, and have years of experience to call your self even a semi expert.. i have been working with reptiles for 5-6 years and i still know i am FAR from expert status. thanks for reading and good day to all
-cantthinkofone

 

[lizardminion]

My main concern was because I've heard from other sources saying that is was closely related to cedar or pine (coniferous trees) and that it was toxic, which had me worried. I just get little upset that my mom will buy supplies without my approval, but as long as it's the right supplies, I'm okay with it. When she bought pigmented sand instead of coco-fiber or moss, and bought a cleaning spray bottle, and told me to use table salt which in the end killed my hermit crabs, was a not to pleasant disaster caused by her similar decisions. I would prefer to avoid these situations.

 

[Furret]

I use that stuff for my corn snake, it's perfectly fine. When she poops, all of it clings to the wood chips so it's easy to scoop it out without having anything drop off or whatnot