Aspen or Cypress

[ATARI]

Im using aspen mulch at the moment and my bag is almost empty, should I buy cypress instead of aspen this time? Ive heard cypress is better but I wanted to ask to make sure! I want the best for my ball python haha

[Caitlin]

In my opinion it depends on the situation with humidity in your house/in your region. If you have high ambient humidity, aspen might be better - or coconut husk that you don't add any moisture to.

If, like many keepers, you need a little help to maintain appropriate and consistent humidity levels for your BP, then cypress mulch or coconut husk (with water stirred in until it's just barely damp) can make life easier for you and your snake.

I use aspen for my snakes that don't seem to be overly-sensitive about humidity levels (my N. American colubrids and Australian pythons); the others are on coconut husk (Repti-Chip). Cypress mulch would be fine for these guys too, but I stopped using it based on my personal concerns around environmental sustainability.