rodent bedding for snakes?

where i work at, a guy there also keeps snakes,but he doesnt exactly know things the way i do.he seems to agree that snakes can be housed together as long as they are fed seperately and are given plenty of places to hide so they arent crammed together all the time. anyway yesterday we were kinda arguing a bit about snake bedding to a customer who was interested in snakes.so here's my question...you know the bedding you use for rodents,the stuff that looks like thick gray shredded newspaper pieces? is that good for snake bedding?

Carefresh? Yes it's ok to use, just very dusty. Not something I use even for my rats, not to mention my snakes. It's expensive as all get out too. I love newspaper :)

First, to answer your question, I believe that most people would say that it is a-ok for snakes. But, I had some questions about this myself, and ultimately decided not to use it.

My biggest concern is that the stuff is made from "reclaimed" cellulose, whatever that is. Anyone who has had issues with indoor mold knows that mold will grow/feed on just about and damp, cellulose-based material (wood, drywall, ceiling tiles... you name it). I was very concerned that keeping 50-60% humidity in an enclosed space filled with mold food had the potential to cause some serious mold growth. If nothing else, moe frequent and thurough cleaning would be neccessary.

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Originally Posted by nebby3103

My biggest concern is that the stuff is made from "reclaimed" cellulose, whatever that is. Anyone who has had issues with indoor mold knows that mold will grow/feed on just about and damp, cellulose-based material (wood, drywall, ceiling tiles... you name it). I was very concerned that keeping 50-60% humidity in an enclosed space filled with mold food had the potential to cause some serious mold growth. If nothing else, moe frequent and thurough cleaning would be neccessary.

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Every substrate we suggest is a form of wood:Aspen, newspaper, Cypress, Coco-nut fibers and so on. What do you use for substrate if "was very concerned that keeping 50-60% humidity in an enclosed space filled with mold food had the potential to cause some serious mold growth."

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Every substrate we suggest is a form of wood:Aspen, newspaper, Cypress, Coco-nut fibers and so on. What do you use for substrate if "was very concerned that keeping 50-60% humidity in an enclosed space filled with mold food had the potential to cause some serious mold growth."

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First, a disclaimer: I am by no means an expert on mold. A few years ago I had to vacate a house due to a mold infestation and subsequent illness. Since then, I have been involved in litigation and have been learning everything I possibly can about mold, how it grows and its effects. Like I said, I'm not an expert, but my situation has impacted my life in such a way that I have had to learn A LOT! I still wish I could provide a more sientific rationale for my position, but here you go...

Mold grows everywhere! Without exception. It's likely somewhere in your home right now. Yes all wood contains some amount of cellulose. But, manufactured wood and paper products (wall board or Carefresh for example) have more of it readily available for mold's consumption. Carefresh especially since it's made from the stuff.

If mold had a choice whether to feed on the cellulose insulation in your attic or the 2x4's that frame your house, you can be sure it'll grow in the insulation. Mold should grow to a certain *degree* in all poorly maintained terrarium environments with all types of substrate. I would expect that it would be much worse in a tank full of pure cellulose than in a tank with aspen, coconut fiber or cypress mulch and that you would have to hange the substrate more often. Also, and I don't know where those substrates stand, some plants in nature resist mold growth and some substrates may be treated with a fungicide.

Paper, cypress mulch, aspen bedding will all serve you well. :sweeet:

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Originally Posted by nebby3103

Also, and I don't know where those substrates stand, some plants in nature resist mold growth and some substrates may be treated with a fungicide.

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Very well said. I was mearly pointing out that when a blanket statement like the pervious lumping wood in with every thing else it might tend to make a new keeper more aprehensive(sp) about using perfactly safe substrates.

Just for the record I use newspaper in my adult rack and apsen in my juvi and hatchling rack

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Very well said. I was mearly pointing out that when a blanket statement like the pervious lumping wood in with every thing else it might tend to make a new keeper more aprehensive(sp) about using perfactly safe substrates.

Just for the record I use newspaper in my adult rack and apsen in my juvi and hatchling rack

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Absoultely. All of those substrates will work just fine, Carefresh included. There is something to fit everyones' needs and preferences whatever they are. I use coconut fiber.

I'm a little reactive/defensive/sensitive, call it what you will, when it comes to mold. It's been a long road trying to convince doctors, lawyers and defendents that we're not crazy. Sorry if my post came off that way, it just kind of happens. :)

EDIT: I'll stop veering (sp) this thread off topic now. My apologies.