Cypress mulch or coconut husk?

[queenelvis82]

Hey all,
I decided to switch my aspen bedding to a substrate that can retain more moisture. Been having a difficult time maintaining a consistent humidity level so I want to try new bedding. Does anybody recommend cypress mulch over coconut husk and vice versa? Also, what is the consistency of these beddings? I feed my BP inside the enclosure so I am wondering which consistency is safer; fine shavings or more thicker shavings.
Please, let me know your opinion.
Thanks!
Todd

[Zombree]

Honestly I would like to say fine shavings because I have had an awful couple experiences inside the enclosure where my ball python took out the mouse and really big chunks of substrate, too. So Since then I have completely switched to paper towels, but in your case particularly, I would say go with the finer of options. That way if he consumes some he can pass it and he won't suffocate either. At least IMO.

Okay, looked more into it: If you can get some pretty good organic cypress mulch fine shavings, I would definitely go with that. If not organic, just some good looking- not pesticide infused mulch. A lot of companies put it in there anymore and won't display it obviously Not saying you aren't a careful consumer at all. Just that it's kind of crappy on the companies side.

[989josh]

Both work well try them out and see what one you like better. Personal I like cypress mulch


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[Reinz]

I have no experience with the Cypress.

But I can tell you that the Coconut is Fantastic!

No worries about getting substrate in their mouths at feeding because it turns into a Hard Pack once you pour water and mist it a few times.

And-- because it is a hard pack, cleaning up is a snap!!

[CORBIN911]

I use coconut husk aswell.. Tho i dont keep it Misted/wet always, even when its not a hard pack it is very soft and fine... and works perfectly.

I use a ARS rack system so humidity isnt as easy as a enclosed rack, but have never had a bad shed.. When i notice one of em shedding i proceed to moisten the coco husk (as Reinz said to a hard/moist substrate) and mist every 3 days, once shed is complete i let it dry out till there next shed cycle.

This is because i feed FT rodents. And with them being dry the substrate doesn't stick to them. And spot cleaning is super easy, aswell its much more mold resistant them cyprus mulch IMO. super cheap aswell, every month or 2 i do a full clean and dump it all. (with babies tho i still leave them on paper till around 500+g)

[Morris Reese]

X2 on the coco husk. Holds humidity very well, does not hold mold or bacteria, easy to spot clean!!

[reptile_kid_16]

I use coco husk in my moist hide. But paper towels misted also work well for keeping the humidity up.

[Gio]

I like both and switch the royal and the boa between the 2. If you are worried about ingesting substrate, coco husk goes down just fine. These critters end up with mouthfuls of crap in the wild and do just fine. However when I use cypress, I lay news print down about an hour or so before feeding.

Feeding in a separate enclosure is truly a myth so no worries there unless it's something you enjoy, there is no NEED to do it.

As posted above try both, and or switch it up.

[Gio]

Here is the husk.


Here is the mulch.



And, here is the news paper solution on cypress.


Of course when they decide to drag the prey into the water and everywhere but the news print, it doesn't really matter LOL!

[Kat_Dog]

Cypress for sure. I went the cocohusk route and hated it. It gets stuck to EVERYTHING. Water changes were a disater, and it was always in his water, even immediately after the new water was put in. Dovah stopped eating because his rats would end up with bedding on them while he constricted. It was also always in his heat pits. and it was impossible to find his poops because they were always covered in bedding.

Cypress looks way better imo and is far less messy. I've never had Dovah ingest any in the 8 months he's been on it.