BP Afraid of New Substrate

[Praetori]

It was time to clean the tank and I wasn't happy with the Carefresh Pet Bedding I was using. I'd spray the tank 2-3 times a day and the humidity wouldn't even hit 50%. So I switched to Cypress Mulch (T-Rex brand), hoping that will help, along with adding a humidity box.

I put her in and she was not happy. She crawled on top of her hiding log and stayed there (she never climbs on top). I moved her to the climbing branch. She was fine there, and stretched her body as far out as possible to check out the new layout, but still wouldn't touch the bedding. She would check it out and then draw back. She managed to make her way into the humidity box without touching the cypress and is chilling out in there, still refusing to touch the new substrate.

Do you think there is something wrong with the Cypress, or is she just afraid of it? Is there anything I can do to help her get used to it?

[JLC]

Best thing to do for her is to just leave her completely alone for a few days. She'll gradually figure out that there is no threat from the newness of the substrate and she'll be fine. But if you keep messin' with her, then it'll take a lot longer.

[BPelizabeth]

Check the cypress mulch....I think I heard something about some places putting a mix in with it. Not sure if it was cypress or aspen...but take a look to make sure it is 100%.

It might just be a little more prickely to her (sorry that is the only way I could think to describe it).

[Praetori]

K I looked up the mulch and it is 100% Cypress Mulch. It does feel much different than her last bedding, so maybe it is just that it will take time.

And yes, I will leave her alone for a few days and see what becomes of it.

[BP-NJ]

Our little guy did the same thing when we switched to aspen. He would travel from one hide to the other via the side of his water bowl. Anything to avoid touching that new stuff... lol. Within a few days he was fine with it. Don't worry, she just needs to adjust to the change.

[OhhWatALoser]

my ex had a boa that did the same thing, I found it funny, big tough guy he was, then stayed on top of his water bowl for 2 days, then i guess he forgot and was fine.

[Praetori]

Good to know my python isn't the only one who doesn't like new bedding. She's doing better about it and is currently in the hide that has cypress underneath. It's nap time for her right now but it looked like she was wandering about her cage last night. Must've just taken a while to be ok with it.