feeding corns

[fradine]

how important is it to feed corns in a seperate container from the one they live in all the time? This lady that owns a pet shop where I used to live said that I should do that to train the snakes to only bite when they're in this seperate container.

Curious,
Fradine

 

[Jason B.]

The only problem I could see with feeding corns in thier encloser, would be ingesting wood shavings if thats what you use.I feed mine in thier enclosers always and havn't had any problems. I have a couple that are aggresive but they would be wherever I feed them.

 

[ozone]

Hi Fradine,

You will find a lot of good threads already exist on this topic. One such Search is:
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/se...id=86453&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

basically the prevailing rule of thumb appears to be...if you have substrate such as wood chips that can be accidentally ingested, then you should feed in a separate container. If not, you should be fine feeding in your viv as long as you keep the smell of mice off your hands.

 

[fradine]

i use pine shavings. hope it's ok

Fradine

 

[babbaloo99]

Hi Fradine, I have read on other posts that pine is not good to use because of the toxicity of oils found in it. Perhaps you can do a search on this forum or on the internet and learn more.

 

[fradine]

pine shavings yeah or neah

babbaloo,

I heard that only cedar has toxic oils in it that would harm snakes. I've been using shavings for 8 years or so. What kind of substrate would you recommend?


thanks,
Fradine

 

[MegF.]

I use shredded aspen, but I have used Habi-chips that are a pine, but the oils are removed. I don't notice a heavy pine smell anyway. They just smell like, well, wood. If you're feeding on substrate and not in a seperate container, you might want to put down some paper towel for them to feed on so that they don't ingest.

 

[babbaloo99]

Thanks Meg for your feedback, since I am hardly an expert. I have just read yes and no to pine on other searches on the subject.

Fradine: Didn't mean to insult or scare you, just thought I'd suggest a check on what other folks have said on the subject here. Perhaps I have misunderstood different types of pine wood (or strong pine scents/oils) vs. pine shavings that have been treated.

I have heard folks use everything from newspaper and paper towels to cell absorb and sani chips and shredded aspen. There is also another thread on here with folks' recommendations on the various substrates and brands.

 

[Krenna]

I have a theory on why some people say pine is not a problem and why others have problems with using pine Substrate.

Now I do some aromatherapy.. And the correct way to study a plant is going by the Botanical Classification (Pinaceae) or (Pinus) latin names... Covers most Pine and some cedar type pine.

There are a large selection of pine trees out there. Why some people say they have no problems with pine substrate and other's will.

For pine in EO's scotch and Long leaf can cause problems for humans. But most essential oils being use is always with a carrier oil. EO"S are not directly used on the skin.

Now Pine can contain some terpentines. Depending once again on the botanical classification.

Dwarf Pine however is safe for humans and has Analgeic, antimicrobial, antiseptic quailties. This family includes Mungo, Montana, Pumilio, Mountain Swiss.

But for those using it, I would suggest looking up and see what type of pine you use, for your corns and if you have not had problems the its the type of pine substrate you are using.

Find out the botanical classification for it. Also always check 3 different sources when looking for a Botanical classification

I know looking at Home Depot's section of Pine Mulch I would not buy anything that says it has a natural insect repellent in it. I saw plenty of those looking for cypress mulch yesterday for my Rough Green.

Also food for thought.. You can call the company directly for the product you are using and ask They have to give you list of ingredients the main being most to the last being less.