Exo Terra Forrest Bark causing splinters?

[NuttyMuffins]

Any opinions on Exo Terra's Forrest Bark as BP substrate? I wasn't a fan when I initially put it in the cage as it was very dusty and gave me a handful of splinters when I spread it over the cage. I have a friend and local BP owner who says that's all they ever use in their cage. So I left it in and plopped my girl in there. (It's been about a month, so just about time for me to change it) I've since noticed that my girl has had lots of splinters in her scales from the substrate that are though to remove. Anybody else use this and experience similar problems? I'm also noticing discoloration on the bottom of her belly that wasn't there before, and now I'm having a hard trying to figure out if its from the substrate or early stages of scale rot. The one thing that tips me off to it not being scale rot is that it almost looks like spots, and its more brown like the color of the bark rather than black or pink. But up in Alaska the Forrest Bark is what more pet shops sell. So should I look for something else or is the Forrest Bark a safe option? Thanks in advanced guys!

[Reinz]

Sounds like horrible stuff!

I use a lot of cypress mulch which gives the appearance of being splintery. But I have yet to get splinters in me or my snakes. I buy large 30 lb (?) bags at garden centers.

While I do promote buying local, it looks like you should buy anything other than ET Forest Bark off the Internet. Try Aspen, Cypress, Eco Earth, or Reptichips. All are used by members here, seems to be a personal preference. Off course there is no worry with paper towels, newspaper, and liners as well.

If you do a search you will find tons of threads on the subject of substrate. You will find that folks have different criteria, thus different solutions.

[Neal]

I'm not familiar with exo terra forest bark so if you can take a picture of it I'll chime in. I googled it and one of the images that came up looked exactly like CoCo Husk, if that's the same type of stuff then I don't think that it would cause splinters. I've used for over 5 years and never had any issues with it.

[melcvt00]

Discoloration on her belly could be the early signs of a shed coming on.

[Dumdum333]

I've used it for about 2 months and havent had any issues, I like it because it looks natural, but i dont think it should be at all splintery