Cypress messin' up my snake's underside??

[CoolioTiffany]

I've had my female BP on Cypress at close to the beginning of the year, and she's been on it ever since. After a while of using it, I'm noticing these clear shedding-like skin pieces coming off of her scales. My male BP is on Aspen now (just changed to it today, don't like Cypress anymore) but when he was on Cypress nothing happened to him. He was even on Cypress when I purchased him. When my female was on Aspen, her belly was smooth and just fine. Now, her belly feels rough so I think it could be from the Cypress. I will try to take pics, but if it doesn't show up in the picture then I can't really do anything. It isn't shedding at all, it's clear though and seems like the snake is shedding but she really isn't. After her sheds, this goes away but comes back after a week or so. Should I switch her back on Aspen like I did to my male? And has this ever happened to you before when using Cypress or a different type of substrate?

[Dumples]

Does is have an off color going? Does it seem blistery? Was the cypress ever really moist or wet?

[CoolioTiffany]

Does is have an off color going? Does it seem blistery? Was the cypress ever really moist or wet?

No nothing seems off colored, blistered, and the Cypress hasn't ever been really wet or damp. I actually have a hard time keeping it slightly damp because I live in a hot and dry area.

[Dumples]

Just make sure the enclose stays really clean then. The aspen should be better. If you're worried about it, try using newspaper or paper towels for a while and replace them frequently. The main thing I was asking the questions about was for something called blister disease. It happens usually when the snakes sit in moisture in combination with not so clean conditions.

[CoolioTiffany]

Just make sure the enclose stays really clean then. The aspen should be better. If you're worried about it, try using newspaper or paper towels for a while and replace them frequently. The main thing I was asking the questions about was for something called blister disease. It happens usually when the snakes sit in moisture in combination with not so clean conditions.

I'm always cleaning out the enclosure, I never leave any defecated areas sitting in the enclosure. In fact, the Cypress even dries out and there is little moisture in it so I have to mist it a few times a day. I think the Aspen would be much better, actually. A lot softer on my snake's belly than the Cypress. The Cypress also have a lot of shards and sharp/rough pieces so I think that's what causing this to happen. She did just fine on Aspen too, and my other BP seems to like it. Right when I put him in the enclosure he was smelling around and climbing everywhere. Now he's just hanging out in his hide.

[mrshawt]

This is why I love newsprint. No problems.

[CoolioTiffany]

This is why I love newsprint. No problems.

So true lol. I think the Aspen would be softer on her belly, so I'll do Aspen for a bit. I can't even stand this Cypress anymore lol.

[DustinB]

Where did you get the cypress from? I remember reading something about some cypress actually having cedar mixed in with it. I don't know if it will cause the skin problems like that or just neuro problems. I've never ready about pure cypress having any ill effects.

If it's bulk cypress mulch it's likely to have cedar in it or not to be shaved very well(rough). Fine shaved or shredded pure cypress bedding should be fine.

[Neal]

Are you using the cypress mulch you purchase from walmart/lowes in the garden section? If so I would switch off of that asap. I'm not a big fan of that and have noticed odds and ins issues with it. If you are going to stick with cypress mulch, use the T-Rex cypress mulch that is double milled, it's great.

[wildmike1187]

ive always heard the cypress was one of the worst substrates to use on Ball Pythons, something to do with it being somewhat toxic or something. im paper towels and newspaper all the way. never ever had a problem... Aspens good too but can get expensive, although very easy to spot clean! best of luck to you