Zoo-Med Reptile bark

[Kurzix]

Has anyone tried or heard anything about this product weather good or bad? It is made especially for reptiles, altho the only snake it mentions on the package is tree boa.

I've seen it used in the GOOD pet shops. Its made of the bark of a Fir tree. It does have a slight odor to it, but its more like how things smell when you are in the woods.

Anyone know for sure if Fir tree products are indeed safe?

[J.J.]

Yeah, I have bought PLENTY of bags of Zoo Med reptile bark, I use it for my ball pythons, and my red tailed boa! But IMO I dont like to use it anymore, cause the last time I bought some, it had mites in it!!! I was ticked, so they sent me a free bag, l=so i froze it and it killed em all!! HEE HEE HEE HEE!! Well anyways, I thnik cage carpet, or paper towel, or newspaper, is probably the best, but hey, you could always just frez it for 1 to 2 days, and then it should be fine, but if u do get it, make sure you do that first!! Also, it does look very nice in the cages, and it does smell fine! Another thing, bark is also not the best selection cause sometimes it will get stuck on your snake food, and he/ she might accidently eat some!!

[Kurzix]

thanks for the advice on freezing it first. I does indeed look nice, which is the reason i got it :) and the feeding thing isn;t a big deal, because I have a seperate tank i feed them in. helps keep them from the cage opens feeding time programing that and I handle all my snakes everday, unless they;ve just eaten :)

[Linds]

I wouldn't use it. Fir is a softwood, and the oils in all softwoods are mild to severely toxic (depending on the wood). Health reasons aside, it's kinda of expensive (as most pet store products are). If you were deadset on a natural substrate I would suggest going for something like cypress mulch that you can purchase at a garden supply store. With any natural substrate comes those annoying little wood mites. They are harmless but if you wish to avoid them you can sterilize it in the oven :)