Is coconut fibre substrate really safe??

[severe_bomber]

I have a brick soaking in the sink as I type. I didn't expect it to look quite so much like soil though - thought it would be a bit coarser and stringier...

Is it really safe for BPs?

Have checked the previous threads on here. Was gonna mix it 50/50 with Beech chips to try and raise the humidity a bit.

Not too worried about it getting in his mouth when feeding as I lay down newspaper first. But can it interfere with their scales at all?

Thanks.

Any prompt replies much appreciated before I eithrer use or ditch this stuff.

[djansen]

I have used it with no problems, and I know others that say the same. You just have to be smart, if there is an open wound or infection you should put them on paper but IMO its very safe.

[severe_bomber]

Thanx for the reassurance.

[mr. s]

Yup, got all my snakes on it. For me it is the easiest and cheapest option. I have never had trouble with it or heard of trouble with it.

[mainbutter]

+1 on what djanson said.

Coarse, stringy stuff is more likely to cause issues if accidently ingested, which is why I usually stay away from it. The great thing about coco fiber bricks is that yes, it basically IS soil. Invidicual particles are so small it's pretty darn easy for any accidently ingested to pass.

I don't use it for any of my snakes simply because I much prefer newspaper. However it is perfect for a naturalistic looking enclosure. I used to house crested geckos on it (since have moved to newspaper as my # of geckos has grown) and currently use it for my ornate horned frog.

[Skiploder]

Just gotta ask........

I've kept many species of snakes over many years. I have always used wood chip substrate of some sort.

I have never had or even spoken to someone whose snake (not gecko) has had an impaction due to swallowing wood chip or coconut fiber substrate.

In fact, I have never heard (except for very small neonates) of substrate impactions of any type. I've heard people ALLUDE to them................

I even went as far as to ask my vet about how many substrate impactions she's seen in snakes and she said she's seen one - and it was on an animal that had prior inflammation of the stomach lining which prevented the normal passage of food.

So why all the reference to substrate-caused impactions? Am I missing something here?

[severe_bomber]

Thanks guys. He seems to be enjoying it at the moment!

@ Skiploder - Perhaps not all that common after all then?? (I wouldn't know...)

[Aeries]

I use the coconut husk chunks. They don't stick to food the way aspen or coconut brick stuff does, and it looks good. I hate the coconut dirt looking stuff. I used some once to make a humid hide during shed, and once it dried out it was just like dust, and ridiculous to clean. The husk is really easy to clean.
Just my opinion though.

[severe_bomber]

I use the coconut husk chunks. They don't stick to food the way aspen or coconut brick stuff does, and it looks good. I hate the coconut dirt looking stuff. I used some once to make a humid hide during shed, and once it dried out it was just like dust, and ridiculous to clean. The husk is really easy to clean.
Just my opinion though.

Thanks, Aeries.

I haven't seen the chunks in my neck of the woods, but I will certainly be looking out for it! Perhaps online...

[severe_bomber]

Well, humidity is now thru the roof! (78%) One extreme to the other!

I guess it'll drop as the substrate dries a bit. I gave it a good wring out and mixed it 50/50 with beech chippings.