HELP 5 random balls just up and died

[SquamishSerpents]

Well the OP did state it was ball pythons who died, but was just wondering if there were any other species in the collection.

[shadow240sx]

I just switched to aspen bedding the same week this all happened.
But I bought it from tractor supply instead of petco like nornal.
And I use heat tape and a herpstat to maintain everything.

[shadow240sx]

Sorry yes only ball pythons

[SnowShredder]

Tractor supply? Beddings that aren't "snake" approved could contain pine which I know could kill them. I have no clue about the symptoms/timeline of that though so just spitting what's on my mind

[SquamishSerpents]

If it were me I would remove all remaining snakes off the aspen and sterilize their bins. Put them on newspaper or paper towel and monitor them all closely.

Sounds to me like it was related to the aspen. Even if it had been cedar or pine, it wouldn't have killed the 5 snakes, but would have made them sick over a much longer period of time. They likely wouldn't have upped and died - but would have displayed symptoms of respiratory distress. I'm thinking perhaps some pesticide or other chemical was leaked into the wood shavings, perhaps in transport to the tractor supply, perhaps at the tractor Supply, who knows.

But the aspen seems to be the link, to me. If that's the only thing you have changed recently about their environment.

[shadow240sx]

Its been like 2 months since this happened, I am in the military and away when it happened.
I just got back and have had no way to do any real research or really anything.
And I have had no deaths since,
When it happened my wife got rid of the bedding and swotched to newspaper
And moved all the snakes from our house to her dads.
I just got them all back today well what's left
And they all seem fine.
I apologize for not mentioning this earlier but maybe it will help to know this.

[shadow240sx]

Yes, the aspen os what I thought too, and it seemed most logical
Until I read about the many diseases snakes could get.

[SquamishSerpents]

Well if she switched away from the aspen she did the right thing - and glad there haven't been any more deaths.

I would still investigate if there was any other chemical contamination or strange fumes that may have done it. But with this information I'm still leaning towards the aspen being the culprit.

[shadow240sx]

I thank you guys so much for the input,
I hated losing them it, it was my first experience losing snakes
And I put a lot of time into them so it really took a toll on me as far as trying to expand my collection

[shadow240sx]

Also before I forget, could the wood the rack was made out of be the casue?
Idk what it was made out of but it also was newer,
My wifes dad built it