The Pine Debate

[Skiploder]

For many, many, many years I used kiln dried pine bedding for my snakes.

About 18 months ago, I got a line on Harlan Teklad Aspen and switched to that. Last week, that supply dried up and I've gone back to pine.

It's cheaper, absorbs crappage better and doesn't mold up as quickly. After going back to pine I decided that aspen plain sucks.

I was reflecting on all of the breeders and hobbyists I know that use pine. The East Bay Vivarium is an example - it's all they use for their snakes. While I don't want to "out" anyone in the great Pine Debate, some highly respected people in this hobby use it and have used it for decades.

Since the almighty internet has been up and running, I have read post after post after post condemning pine bedding as "toxic" and "harmful" to snakes. As much as this claim is made, there is no supporting evidence, no studies and no first hand accounts of how pine is detrimental to snakes.

Or is there?

Two of my oldest snakes spent the majority of their lives on pine - we're talking 15 to 20 year old animals. I kept so-called delicate species on it - even neonates with no ill-effects. Most old time herpers used it for years and continue to do so.

So this begas the question - all of you who claim pine is toxic to reptiles, let's get this out here and now. What is the basis of your claim? What study are your warnings based on? Remember, the effects of pine on naked mole rats, burrowing rectal beetles and horseshoe crabs doesn't count. We're talking specifically about reptiles here. And please, don't start quoting Melissa Kraplan. Nothing will render your arguments or viewpoints irrelevant quicker than using her as a basis for an informed opinion.

You also are not allowed to quote an unfounded post by a third party. It has to be an actual study with actual proof. And no relating pine to cedar - two different trees. No one disputes the toxicity or the irritant qualities of cedar.

It's okay if you can't cite a specific study. If you have first hand experience with the dangers of pine bedding - post them. Be careful though, proof that pine killed or shortened the lifespan of your animal is needed.

There are too many unfounded claims going around in the snake hobby. Let's first address the veracity of the popular cry that pine is harmful for reptiles.

Is it or isn't it harmful?