Repti Bark?

[snakemomma77]

Just wondering if anyone uses Repti Bark? I bought a bag at PetSmart yesterday cause it was on sale. I read on the back of the bag that it can be washed and reused and excellent for holding humity.....Please give me y'alls opinion's on this stuff........

[ballpythonluvr]

Personally, I do not like the stuff. I don't believe the whole it can be washed and used again part. I personally use cypress mulch, it holds humidity great.

[snakemomma77]

Personally, I do not like the stuff. I don't believe the whole it can be washed and used again part. I personally use cypress mulch, it holds humidity great.

I will be taking that bag right back to petsmart and exchanging it for cypress mulch. I was wondering if the cypress mulch you get at Lowe's or home depot is the same thing or does it have to be baked?

[Aes_Sidhe]

I used Repti bark for year in Glass Aquarium and i was pleased... Looks great awesome for spot cleaning hold humidity well... but it get little dusty and dust goin under scales cause discoloration sometimes... andI never rewash the stuff either... alwas change it every 45-60 days...
Cypress mulch is better.. but always buy reptile grade one.. industrial bought in Lowes home depot or such could have fertilizers and other chemicals with could harm you snake

I use Zoo Med forest floor brand now..

[Valentine Pirate]

I'm using some repti-bark that my boyfriend picked up. I like how it looks, and humidity isn't a huge issue in my tubs with the water bowls. Cypress probably works better, but I want to make sure the gigantic bag he bought doesn't go to waste

[snakemomma77]

I guess I should try it at least...thanks for the feedback.

[Python260]

Be careful of which cypress mulch you use. Most of what you find at wal-mart or home improvement stores are actually blended with other types of wood which may include cedar and pine. Make sure you're using 100% cypress .

[DooLittle]

I would not buy into the wash and re-use. That just doesn't seem sanitary. Ick. I like Eco earth. It holds humidity well, and looks nice.

[snakemomma77]

Well I will not be using that Repi Bark, I will however give EcoEarth a try.

[hungba]

Other than from a visually appealing standpoint, I never understood why people use anything other than newspaper/butcher paper for ball pythons. I agree it is a pain in the butt for other pets like my lizards that poop everyday, as you can not spot clean. But for a ball python that doesn't go that often, I think it would actually be more sanitary if you do NOT spot clean, and just take it out and wash the whole tub and replace the brand new paper.

Paper is free (if anyone in your family reads the paper), its absorbent, there is absolutely no worry of being ingested, easy to change, tidy and clean. As far as "holding humidity", I don't really understand that part. I guess I live in a pretty humid climate, but indoors its often a lot drier. However, with tubs in my rack that are 10 to 12 holes front, 10 to 12 holes in the back, and a decent sized water bowl, the humidity is always spot on at 60%. When shed time comes I move the water bowl closer to the heated area and it raises it exactly about 10% more. I even have to keep a keen eye in case humidity gets too high (water spillage, after they pee etc.)

I think that most problems with humidity too low is with the enclosures where they have a mesh top and the moisture evaporates. I used to use those "fanuariums" with holes on the lid and it did cause the humidity to be too low. I had to mist all the time. Once I switched to rack there were no problems anymore. Of course if you have only one snake you may not want a rack, but using a tub with a lid with no holes, only holes on the wall of the tub, will help a lot.