Bad substrate options for ball pythons are:
- Cedar shavings or chips – toxic
- Redwood shavings or chips – toxic
- Highly aromatic pine/cedar/other wood shavings – oils/phenols are dangerous when inhaled
- Sand – not suitable for ball pythons and pose an impaction risk
- Reptile carpet – only use if you cannot use anything else (but even paper towels/newspaper is better), harbors bacteria, hard to clean
- Alfalfa – can start molding easily, dusty
What wood is harmful to snakes?
Several species are known to be particularly dangerous, including white cedar (Thuja occindentalis), Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and western red cedar (Thuja plicata); unfortunately, commercial products seldom make it clear which species has been used.
What trees are toxic to ball pythons?
List of Plants That Are Toxic & Poisonous to Snakes 2022 [Updated]1.1 1) Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)1.2 2) Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)1.3 3) Anemone clematis (Clematis montana)1.4 4) Larkspur (Delphinium spp.)1.5 5) Devil's ivy (Epipremnum aureum)1.6 6) Fig (Ficus spp.)1.7 7) Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)More items...•
What wood is ball pythons allergic to?
The first thing we need to do is eliminate certain options. You don't want to use cedar shavings inside your ball python habitat, because cedar oils are thought to be toxic to snakes and other reptiles. You should take pine shavings off the list, while you're at it.
Is pine wood toxic to snakes?
1:242:26Is Pine Toxic To Reptiles? The Science Behind It? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo these pine shavings are safe the only times you may have some little reason to be concerned is ifMoreSo these pine shavings are safe the only times you may have some little reason to be concerned is if you're bringing in things like spruce as an actual wood that you're going to use in the enclosure.
How do you disinfect wood for reptiles?
How to Sterilize Wood for Reptiles: Method #2Find a barrel, bin or tub large enough to contain your branch.Fill the tub with water, roughly keeping track of the volume of water you are using. ... Add bleach, using a ratio of 1/3 – 1/2 Cups of bleach for every gallon of water. ... Let the branch soak for a full 24 hours.More items...•
Can you use pine for a ball python?
Two of the most harmful substrates for any reptile are pine or cedar shavings. While these shavings typically look and smell nice to us, the aromatic compounds they release can be extremely harmful to the respiratory system of your ball python.
Is driftwood safe for ball pythons?
Zilla Malaysian Driftwood is perfectly safe for snakes to use.
Is cedar poisonous to snakes?
Yes, most aromatic woods are toxic to reptiles and need to be avoided. Cedar contains aromatic phenols, which causes respiratory issues (among other things) in reptiles.
What does cedar do to snakes?
Unlike mammals, which mainly rely on their sight and hearing, snakes rely primarily on a smell receptor known as Jacobson's organ; they can't tolerate the odor of cedar oil repellent. It will make the snakes weak and disorientated and they will quickly leave the area.
What wood is used for reptile enclosures?
0:498:14How to Sterilize Wood for Reptiles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo any Oaks ashes or maples are usually okay definitely stay away from any softwood trees such asMoreSo any Oaks ashes or maples are usually okay definitely stay away from any softwood trees such as pine spruce or cedar.
Is birch wood safe for snakes?
Birch wood and reptiles Because birch wood does not contain any strong aromatic compounds, toxins and few preservatives are used for its processing, it is mostly safe to use in a reptile tank.
Can you use pine wood for reptiles?
Veterinarians warn away from using pine and cedar as the smell can irritate the respiratory tracts of the animals living in it. Wood beddings are best for arboreal species of reptiles, or ones that don't spend much of their time on the ground.
What plant will keep snakes away?
Snake-repellent plants, such as marigolds, allium, lemongrass, mother-in-law's tongue, garlic, wormwood, pink agapanthus, snakeroots, basil and yellow alder will all keep snakes away naturally.
What is toxic to snakes?
Avoid spiders, ticks, centipedes, millipedes, scorpions, and fireflies. Fireflies are especially toxic because they contain a self-defense toxin called lucibufagin, which is extremely poisonous to reptiles.
Can I put live plants in with my snake?
Live plants are an attractive addition to a snake's enclosure. They improve the vivarium's aesthetics, enhancing its naturalistic appearance. They aid in waste management by taking care of your snake's nitrogen waste. For some arboreal snake species, they can provide shelter and comfort.
Are pothos safe for ball pythons?
The Neon Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum) is also referred to as Devil's Ivy and is a plant that does well in bright and low light conditions, making it ideal for your ball python enclosure.
What are the bad things about Python?
There are also bad substrate (bedding) options that you must avoid using for your ball python. These substrates are either toxic or can cause health issues in your ball python. Bad substrate options for ball pythons are: 1 Cedar shavings or chips – toxic 2 Redwood shavings or chips – toxic 3 Highly aromatic pine/cedar/other wood shavings – oils/phenols are dangerous when inhaled 4 Sand – not suitable for ball pythons and pose an impaction risk 5 Reptile carpet – only use if you cannot use anything else (but even paper towels/newspaper is better), harbors bacteria, hard to clean 6 Alfalfa – can start molding easily, dusty 7 Walnut shells – dangerous if ingested and sharp 8 Gravel or stones – impaction risk, abrasive 9 Corncob – impaction risk, irritating 10 Carefresh – dusty
What is the best substrate for ball Python?
Best ball python substrate for humidity are topsoil mix, cypress mulch, coconut husk and bark chips. Sphagnum moss added to a hide or main substrate can also help with increasing humidity.
What is the best substrate for a Python cage?
Newspaper, or paper towels, is the simple substrate option for your ball python cage. Pros of paper towels include ability to watch your ball python’s poop, ease of cleaning and low cost. Cons include the need to replace this substrate often and lack of aesthetic appearance.
How much substrate do you need for a ball python?
There’s no need to add too much substrate for your ball python. 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) of compacted substrate is enough for your ball python, but sometimes up to 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) is optimal for larger cages or to bump up humidity.
What is reptile carpet?
Reptile carpet like this is widely used as a substrate for a big variety of reptiles. It’s aesthetically pleasing and often comes in green or brown colors.
Is cypress mulch good for snakes?
Cypress mulch is a good substrate option for humidity loving snakes, including ball pythons. It is absorbent and can help retain optimal levels of humidity and temperatures. Cypress mulch like this is also easy to clean, and replace when necessary. What is more, it is aesthetically pleasing.
Can you keep a ball Python on paper towels?
When you just bring your ball python home, make sure to keep it on paper towels/newspaper while in quarantine. After that, you can switch to a more decorative loose substrate. When choosing a substrate, make a choice depending on humidity levels where you live.
How much humidity does a ball python need?
An absorbent substrate will hold in enough water to keep humidity levels up. Ball pythons require a humidity level between 55% and 60%. When they are shedding their skin, a higher humidity level of around 80% is highly recommended. As much as ball pythons enjoy humidity, too much moisture in their bedding can be harmful.
What is the best substrate for a ball python?
Aspen bedding, coconut husk, and cypress mulch are all good substrates for ball pythons. A benefit to aspen bedding is its light color, which makes it easier to spot clean. Coconut husk is antibacterial and antimicrobial, so mold will not grow on it. Cypress mulch is moister than the other substrates, useful for maintaining ...
What is the best substrate for snakes?
Coconut Husk. Coconut husk can be commonly found in gardening stores, but it is also created with the purpose of keeping snakes comfortable. This is a highly absorbent substrate that keeps in liquids and odors. Best of all, coconut husk is both antibacterial and antimicrobial.
What is the absorbency rating of aspen bedding?
This aspen bedding is odorless and has a 191% absorbency rating. Unlike other aspen beddings, this one is created with snakes in mind, with smaller chips and low dust.
Why use paper substrates in Python?
The benefit to paper substrates is that it is easy to monitor your ball python’s health. You can immediately tell if the substrate is damp or has waste on it. It is also relatively easy to replace paper bedding.
Do ball Pythons have enclosures?
Ball pythons should never have a bare enclosure floor. In the wild, they spend their days in humid underground burrows left behind by other animals, coming out to hunt at night. These terrestrial snakes need something comfortable and natural to slither around on.
Does paper have a python odor?
However, paper substrate does not provide as much enrichment for ball pythons. It is more difficult to burrow through, and it does not add any natural smells to the environment. Many newspaper products are not as absorbent as other substrates when it comes to keeping in liquid or odors.
what wood are pythons "allergic" to
I remember reading something about not to use a certain wood for substrate because it was bad for the snakes. Just curious what these woods are, and does it matter if the outer walls of a rack are made of these particular woods or if its only a direct contact with them that matters. Thanks
Re: what wood are pythons "allergic" to
Pine and cedar. Don't use them if they will come in contact with your snake. Its not the wood that is the problem, it is the phenols in the wood that are harmful if inhaled.
Re: what wood are pythons "allergic" to
So im using just a regular piece of plywood for the side walls of my rack and melamine for the shelves. Should this be okay? I know its not cedar and I feel like if it was pine i would smell a piney smell. What do yall think?
Re: what wood are pythons "allergic" to
I wouldn't risk it personally. Just try to find some birch plywood or something.
Re: what wood are pythons "allergic" to
Hi, i just got my first ball python and I cut some sticks for him to climb on and the wood is from a laurel tree. Is this wood ok for him?
What kind of wood do iguanas use?
For Iguanas you can use most hardwoods. Such as Birch, Walnut or Cheery wood. However, be warned, it is always going to be quite an expensive job. If you want to reduce the costs, Oak and Birch are the most economical options at approximately $1 to $2 per foot.
What is wood used for in terrariums?
Wood is often used in Terrariums in the form of branches, logs or any kind of wooden climbing apparatus. It’s fun for your reptile and is encouraged in most cases.
What is the best way to clean a reptile enclosure?
In addition to this, you need to clean the enclosure for good maintenance and to keep your reptile healthy. For that reason, white vinegar, in particular, is used. It is good because it cleans well, removes the smell and does not contain dangerous chemicals.
Why are fruit trees sprayed with pesticides?
Fruit trees are notorious for being sprayed with pesticides to keep away insects, that eat their fruit. These pesticides can have serious health effects on your reptile and should be avoided at all costs. A general rule is, any tree that has been treated with chemicals should be avoided.
Why do you need to prepare wood for a reptile?
The reason you need to prepare it first is it may contain bugs, bacteria, viruses or dangerous fungus. Without prep, this can easily pass on to your reptile and cause unknown health issues. So, to avoid this you need to prepare the wood.
What is the best wood for an animal enclosure?
What is safe wood for an animal enclosure? Shredded Aspen and Cypress Mulch is a good safe wood for reptiles. If you have the budget you can pick them up in most pet stores. However, you can also consider using some types of wood from outside, as long as you are prepared to clean and sterilize it first.
Is wood safe for reptiles?
What is Safe Wood for reptile enclosures? Using wood a substrate for your reptile is quite common. But, you have to be careful because not all wood can be used. If you choose the wrong one, it can cause health issues for your reptile. What is safe wood for an animal enclosure?
What happens if a Python ball bites you?
If the ball python bites repeatedly or clamps down hard and doesnʻt want to let go, the bite and pain will be more severe. Pulling away from the bite often causes deeper cuts too. These bites can cause bruising, bleeding, or deeper trauma, especially if they occur in a more vulnerable part of your body like the face or neck.
What to do if you get bit by a Python ball?
If youʻre bitten by a ball python, stay calm and try not to pull the snake free while the teeth are in your skin. This could cause more damage and deeper injuries. Remain calm and the snake will usually let go once they realize you arenʻt a threat or a meal.
What is the best snake for beginners?
Ask any snake expert, online or in person, what the best pet snake for beginners is and chances are one of the top responses will be ball pythons. Not only are these snakes inexpensive and easy to care for, but they are also one of the calmest and easiest to handle pet reptiles. Ball pythons even get high marks as a great pet snake for kids!
Why do Pythons bite?
But if they do bite, itʻs typically for one of two reasons: hunger or fear/stress.
How to prevent hunger based bites in Python?
Like we already discussed, washing your hands before handling your ball python and not reaching into their cage can help prevent hunger-based bites.
Can a snake bite you?
No matter how gentle or tame, any pet–not just a snake–has the potential to bite. As a first-time snake owner or a parent thinking about getting their child a ball python, this possibility can be frightening. One big question you might have is whether ball pythons are poisonous? No, ball pythons are not poisonous and if a ball python does bite you, their bite is not usually life-threatening.
Can you use your hands for food in Python?
Hungry ball pythons may mistake human hands or fingers for food, especially if they smell like something delicious! To avoid this predicament, wash your hands right before handling a ball python to get any lingering tempting odors off your skin. Try not to stick your hands into your pythonʻs tank to get them out–even if theyʻre used to being handled–to further reduce your chances of being mistaken for a snack.
