Am I the only one?

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Pine-shavings

Get your BP off the pine bedding. It contains toxins which, whilst lower than cedar, are not safe for your BP! Aspen, eco-earth, lignocel..(etc, etc)..even paper towels are suitable.


Just saw a post from Satomi saying if it is kiln dried it is fine; I don't think I'd risk it personally but Satomi has much more experience than me.

The pine in the photo looks OK to use. It actually kind of looks like Native Earth Aspen.


Anyway. I personally wouldn't put my snakes on pine regardless if treated or not because my rack gets such little air flow in comparison to probably a tank or display enclosure. Its the phenols in pine and cedar that are toxic and if there was some left over remnants in the kiln dried, it wouldn't be able to air out very well in my rack, in my opinion. I'm just a little more weary about that.

But there are tons of breeders who do use pine with their snakes and racks with no ill effect.

And my rat colony is on kiln dried pine with no ill effect either. But I feel more comfortable using it when them since their enclosures have good ventilation.

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Also, how deep is your pine? Is it possible that it's not warm enough on top of the substrate? So he's burrowing down to get warmer?

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For the OP...

I feel yah. We have our first bp and prior to her we had a cat. It is taking some getting used to. She may not move for a day or two...all curled up and happy in one of her hides. Instead of messing with her to appease only me I simply moved the hides a bit so I could see in. I've got a little red lense light that I can shine in there and take a peek. Works for me and I don't have to "unhouse" her just to make sure she is still breating. However...we take her out almost daily unless we are feeding or in shed so she gets out and about plenty.

I have Aspen, apologies.

The bedding is not to deep. maybe 2 inches or so average across the enclosure which is a 40 gal breeder. I don't think the temperature is an issue, and i know she isn't sick or acting in a negative manner per say. I have thermometers on both the hot and cool sides which i eye ball often. I just never had a ball that would burrow like this, nor one that basks as frequently.

Hey I'm all for individualism =]

:P

- Skoots

I think you're only supposed to use a 1/2" or so. I could be wrong. I'm very new to this as well.

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Do you have something that will tell you what the temp is ON TOP of the substrate?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by SKOOT3R

I have Aspen, apologies.

The bedding is not to deep. maybe 2 inches or so average across the enclosure which is a 40 gal breeder. I don't think the temperature is an issue, and i know she isn't sick or acting in a negative manner per say. I have thermometers on both the hot and cool sides which i eye ball often. I just never had a ball that would burrow like this, nor one that basks as frequently.

Hey I'm all for individualism =]

:P

- Skoots

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Do you have a UTH or a ceramic bulb (or the like) if you have a UTH the substrate should only be around half an inch :)

Also another thing, are your hides small and snug for your BP, as in so small they barely look like they'll fit in? They may feel insecure if the hides are too big.

Alternatively, you may just have a quirky, burrowing BP :)

BPs enjoy burrowing since it allows them to hide. They're very secretive creatures, so let them hide!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ViperSRT3g

BPs enjoy burrowing since it allows them to hide. They're very secretive creatures, so let them hide!

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Yes, let them hide, AFTER you make sure that all parameters are correct.

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