A: There is some controversy over whether or not pine shavings are harmful to snakes, as they can contain a compound called phenols that can be toxic in high doses. However, most experts agree that if used in moderation, pine shavings are safe for snakes and will not cause any health problems. Mike Grover
Full Answer
Is pine sap toxic to snakes?
Can you use cedar shavings on snakes?
Is pine wood bad for snakes?
Pine and Eucalyptus Trees Pine trees and eucalyptus trees are similar to cedar trees, and produce aromatic phenols. Though there isn't as much evidence linking pine and eucalyptus to health problems as there is for cedar, their use is discouraged.
Why is pine toxic to reptiles?
1:242:26Is Pine Toxic To Reptiles? The Science Behind It? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen the phenol has not been evaporated that is any sort of concern apart from that kiln driedMoreWhen the phenol has not been evaporated that is any sort of concern apart from that kiln dried shavings.
Can I use pine for my snake?
These wood shavings are nearly free of dust, don't have a smell that will irritate your snake's respiratory tract (like pine and cedar can do), and are free of dyes. Aspen is very absorbent, so it's great for containing messes.
Is pine bad for ball pythons?
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.
Can snakes have pine bedding?
3:276:22Is Pine Bedding Bad For Snakes? (Ball Pythons) - Benjamin's ExoticsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNo.MoreNo.
Are pine needles safe 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 bedding is toxic for snakes?
Cedar wood shavings are toxic to reptiles and must be avoided!
What bedding is bad for ball pythons?
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.
How often should I change my snakes bedding?
Spot clean your chosen reptile substrate every day, and replace it every 1-2 months or more often if necessary.
What do I put on the bottom of my snake tank?
Layer the bottom of the habitat with bedding (also called substrate) that your new pet can burrow into. Aspen & cypress shavings are a natural, odorless reptile substrate that snakes can tunnel through it as they'd do in the wild.
What is the best bedding for ball pythons?
Coconut husk, also referred to as “coco husk,” is made from roughly chopped chunks of coconut shell. It's widely considered the BEST substrate choice for ball pythons and other tropical reptile and amphibian species.
Is coconut bedding good for snakes?
Due to coconut fibers “soil like” texture it makes for a great burrowing substrate! Again, just like coconut husk, coconut fiber is highly absorbent of snake waste (including smell). Its high surface area allows it to retain much more moisture than coconut husk.
Is pine safe for leopard geckos?
Also make sure you never use resinous woods like cedar or pine, as they are toxic to leopard geckos.
Is pine okay for leopard geckos?
Pine, Fir and Cedar are all types of wood that contain oils that are toxic to most reptiles. Because of this, pine, fir, or cedar bedding should not be used in a gecko's enclosure. Coconut Fiber should not be used as a Leopard Gecko substrate.
Are bearded dragons allergic to pine?
Unfortunately, pine is one of the handful of woods that is not safe for bearded dragons and is actually quite toxic for reptiles.
Do lizards like pine?
Fence lizards are so fond of pine trees that they've also gotten the name “pine lizard.”
Is pine sap toxic to snakes?
Pine sap is toxic, so I use different woods. Use chunks large enough not to be swallowed. I do not recommend sand for most snakes. Most need more humidity than sand can provide. It is also difficult/expensive to clean. Many people will say to just sift the sand but bacteria will be left behind.
Can you use cedar shavings on snakes?
Also never use Cedar shavings. They are toxic to snakes too. Corn cob bits are dangerous if ingested and absorb water, they cause obstructions. I use ESU Reptile Desert Blend Lizard Litter for my Desert snakes & Zoo Med Premium Repti Bark for my forest snakes.
Pine bedding?
I've always heard that pine bedding is bad. As a result, I use aspen. The same goes for rodents, although pine is now (mostly) deemed okay for them, and I use it as it helps ward away pests. Over the past few days, I've seen a few people mention on here that pine is okay for snakes.
Re: Pine bedding?
I've always heard that pine bedding is bad. As a result, I use aspen. The same goes for rodents, although pine is now (mostly) deemed okay for them, and I use it as it helps ward away pests. Over the past few days, I've seen a few people mention on here that pine is okay for snakes.
Re: Pine bedding?
I've always heard that pine bedding is bad. As a result, I use aspen. The same goes for rodents, although pine is now (mostly) deemed okay for them, and I use it as it helps ward away pests. Over the past few days, I've seen a few people mention on here that pine is okay for snakes.
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Wood shavings once came from a living organism. Living things often defend themselves against attack. Trees are no exception to this. The principal defence and offence (depending on the species) is a chemical. Often the chemical is a phenol based one. There are a number of trees that release noxious chemicals.
Re: Pine bedding?
I would suggest kiln dried pine to be fine as long as it does not have a strong smell. The same can be said for aspen (Populus wood, aka poplar on most wood charts) Cyprus is regional it depends on where the tree is from, some is fine some is bad news for the people handling it. (who knows how reptiles react)
Re: Pine bedding?
On the other hand, I've known breeders who have raised a dozen generations of snakes on pine substrates without any problems whatsoever. So I guess the question is, who are you gonna believe? Keepers with 30+ years of experience or 'internet experts' and Vet Techs who know how to use google?
Re: Pine bedding?
Sadly Skip by us there is a massive mill that processes pine mostly. It is common for the ignorant to buy pine 'bedding' (they sell it as such) from them. It is in huge outdoor mounds and is a come and take as much as you can place (I got some for a woods trail, a pickup truck full and a light trailer cost us 50$).
Why do pine snakes bask in the sun?
Pine Snakes are excellent burrowers that spend the majority of their lifetime underground they only bask under the sun for their body temperature to rise to keep their body warm all throughout the day. Their pointed snout is used for burrowing, finding prey and building nests.
What is a pine snake?
Image Source. Pine snakes are fairly heavy-bodied snakes that are large in size. They have a small head that resembles that of a turtle with a snout that is pointed and protrudes over the jaw. Their color ranges from yellow, white, or light gray with dark and squarish blotches on the head towards the tail.
Are they bad for your yard?
If taken in captivity, don’t take them into your yard even for just a few minutes because it may burrow or hide.
Do Pine Snakes eat other snakes?
Yes, they prey on small snakes and eggs that are about to hatch on their burrow.
How often do Pine Snakes eat?
They should only be fed at least once every two weeks. The amount of food given to them should be proportionate with their age and size. Be careful to give them the proper diet to avoid obesity and overweight.
Can a multiple Pine Snake stay in one housing?
If you prefer to take care of more than one snake, make sure that they can move well on their housing with proper spacing.
How frequently do Pine Snakes shed their skin?
During their younger years, expect that they will shed a couple of times a year but when they reach the maturity stage they will only shed at least once a year. If the snake is a bit stressed, there may be a delay in the usual time of their shedding.
Why are pine snakes important?
Pine snakes are important for their ecosystem as due to their diet habits, these snakes control populations of agricultural pests such as mice, rats, and gophers.
How do pine snakes live?
Pine snakes are secretive creatures and spend most of their time underground. They shelter in burrows that they excavate themselves or take abandoned by other animals. These snakes are active during the day and spend their time basking or searching for prey. They usually hunt underground and also often enter rodent burrows in search of a meal. Pine snakes are generally solitary although females may nest communally. During cold months and sometimes in hot summer days they hibernate in underground burrows. When disturbed, Pine snakes often hiss loudly, sometimes flatten their head, vibrate their tail, and eventually strike at an intruder. To make the rattling sound, snakes force air out of their lungs and vibrate the epiglottis.
What is a pine snake?
The Pine snake is a large powerfully built nonvenomous snake native to the southeastern United States. The head of this snake is small and somewhat pointed and is well adapted for burrowing. The color pattern consists of a light ground color overlaid with black, brown, or reddish-brown blotches. Di. Diurnal.
When do pine snakes lay eggs?
The breeding season of Pine snakes takes place in spring, usually from April to May. Females lay 3 to 24 quite large eggs in June-August. The eggs are laid in sandy burrows or under large rocks or logs and hatch after 64-79 days of incubation.
Do pine snakes hibernate?
Pine snakes are generally solitary although females may nest communally. During cold months and sometimes in hot summer days they hibernate in underground burrows. When disturbed, Pine snakes often hiss loudly, sometimes flatten their head, vibrate their tail, and eventually strike at an intruder.
Is the pine snake on the Red List?
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Pine snake total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.
Is pine sap toxic to snakes?
Pine sap is toxic, so I use different woods. Use chunks large enough not to be swallowed. I do not recommend sand for most snakes. Most need more humidity than sand can provide. It is also difficult/expensive to clean. Many people will say to just sift the sand but bacteria will be left behind.
Can you use cedar shavings on snakes?
Also never use Cedar shavings. They are toxic to snakes too. Corn cob bits are dangerous if ingested and absorb water, they cause obstructions. I use ESU Reptile Desert Blend Lizard Litter for my Desert snakes & Zoo Med Premium Repti Bark for my forest snakes.
