is Pine bedding okay??

[Purplegrrl666]

Hello everyone,
I was wondering if pine bedding *shavings* would be ok in my garter cage?? I'm just super-low on money right now and I can't really buy other stuff, will it as least work for the time being?

Thank you!
~Carolyn~

[Sid]

Pine shaving contain oils that are harmful to the Garters respiritoy system. Over a period of time it can kill them. I would opt for paper until I could find something else that's harmless. I don't know how much exposure to the pine would be safe.

[Stefan-A]

Wouldn't recommend it. The resin in pine trees can, at least in theory, cause serious health problems for reptiles, including respiratory and neurological problems.

If I remember correctly.

[adamanteus]

Sound advice. Best to use aspen, if that's the kind of substrate you're after.

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

you can always use paper towls

[adamanteus]

Good point, Reed. All my young snakes are on paper towels. My adults are on slate floors.

[Lulu Bennett]

am i right im believing that cat litter is ok to use just not when feeding?

[Stefan-A]

Cat litter might be too absorbent, might cause skin problems. Maybe.

[salzar]

cat litter has properties in it that make it clump and clay cat litter is better , but the dust is not too good, I have used cat litter in the past for my lizards and it was okay but the new stuff with all the fragrents and additives I would worry a bit about!!
the paper towle thing is great not pretty but clean up is a snap!!
bye
michelle

[Cazador]

I'd be a little concerned about the dust particles from cat litter, too. Since their heads are so close to the substrate, they're constantly inhaling whatever is on/in their substrate. Anything with the potential to disturb their single lung is off limits in my vivaria.

Rick