Sani-chips bedding

[Jim Smith]

I have been using Aspen bedding for my snakes for the last couple of years. While it worked okay, I didn't like the amount of dust I was getting with the Aspen bedding, not to mention the splinters I would pick up in my bare feet if any got on the carpet. This time I switched over from Aspen bedding to Sani-Chips bedding when I cleaned my cages yesterday. I like the looks of Sani-Chips, however, one of my snakes (my male Extreme Hypo Honduran) is now spending much of his day soaking in his water bowl, which I have never seen him do before. I'm concerned that the Sani-Chips bedding might be irritating his skin somehow. I've read so many positive things about Sani-Chips bedding for Colubrids, I'm not sure if I'm over reacting. Has anyone out there experienced an adverse reaction from your reptiles when switching over to Sani-Chips and if so what were the symptoms? Thanks for any insights and recommendations you can offer.

[EL Ziggy]

Jim- I've been using the sani-chips for my (4) snakes with no issues. I initially ordered 2 bags of sani-chips and a bag of shredded aspen to see which one I'd prefer. I went through the sani-chips first and after I ran out I decided to use the large bag of shredded aspen. I didn't just want to waste it. There's a huge difference in the dust levels and like you mentioned there are some sharp pieces in the shredded aspen. I'll probably finish off the bag of shredded aspen that I have but after that it's all sani-chips for me. I hope everything is OK with Drako.

[sharthun]

Jim I use the sani chips as well with no issues that I can tell for 5 snakes.

[Jim Smith]

Thank you El-Ziggy and Sharthun for taking the time to respond to my inquiry. Drako has vacated his water bowl and is now resting comfortably in his hide. Hopefully all is well and he just felt like a nice long (several hours) soak after his big meal. I really do appreciate your responses.

[sharthun]

Originally Posted by Jim Smith

Thank you El-Ziggy and Sharthun for taking the time to respond to my inquiry. Drako has vacated his water bowl and is now resting comfortably in his hide. Hopefully all is well and he just felt like a nice long (several hours) soak after his big meal. I really do appreciate your responses.

Np, my snakes seem to really like the sani chips and I love them. Cleanup is a breeze! Oh and you can call me Steve.

[millertime89]

I really like using sani-chips for my smaller snakes. Makes cleaning a breeze. My only gripe is if I spill some they're a pain to clean and they get EVERYWHERE. Odds are your snake is just going into shed.

[sharthun]

Originally Posted by millertime89

I really like using sani-chips for my smaller snakes. Makes cleaning a breeze. My only gripe is if I spill some they're a pain to clean and they get EVERYWHERE. Odds are your snake is just going into shed.

Yeah they do get spread everywhere lol having a shop vac nearby helps!

[millertime89]

Originally Posted by sharthun

Yeah they do get spread everywhere lol having a shop vac nearby helps!

I bet! I need to get a new vacuum period...