Can snakes digest corncob?
Corncob. This substrate is lightweight and quite visually appealing. However, it should be avoided at all costs. If ingested, corncob can cause impaction in the gut and has been known to kill small snakes, and it is really no better in any way than other substrates already mentioned.
Taken from this link;
http://ezinearticles.com/?General-Care-and-Maintenance-of-Sand-Boas-(Eryx-and-Gongylophis)&id=235664
The corn cob substrate should be thrown out, the pieces are sharp and not only can he become impacted by ingesting it, he may be suffering from lacerations in his digestive tract. You may have to travel to a good reptile vet. You can refer to
www.arav.org for a list of veterinarians that specialize in reptile care.
Taken from this link;
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Reptiles-704/6-8-year-old.htm
Materials to Avoid:
The following are bad for one main reason - impaction. A lot of stores may try and tell you that they are suitable, they may even be using them themselves, but they are wrong.
Each of the following has been proven to cause impaction and death to Bearded Dragons (as well as other reptiles) and should be avoided:
- Corn Cob: Hard, large and indigestible for Beardies.
- Walnut Shell: It looks harmless enough, but the edges are very sharp and it could kill your dragon very easily. There have been documented impaction deaths in Bearded Dragons from this. Also goes under a variety of brand names, so check package labeling careful before listening to and buying from pet stores.
- Calcisand: The problem with this product is twofold. First, they like the flavor of it and may eat it if they are lacking adequate calcium in their diet. Second, it can clump and form an indigestible bolus in their digestive tract.
- Repti Bark: very fibrous and could easily end up causing impaction and has been known to end up lodged in the vent.
- Original lizard litter (made from the kenfa tree) and Jungle Blend.
Substrates such as mulch, shredded tree bark, or corn cob should not be used as they can hold moisture and promote bacterial growth.
Any of the wood shaving like cedar or pine should also be avoided - cedar had dangerous aromatic oils and pine can get impacted if ingested.
You should be also be very cautious using bleach on Dragon's enclosure, the heat from their lights can cause toxic fumes from the bleach. Taken from this link;
http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-The-Right-Substrate-To-Use-For-A-Bearded-Dragon&id=525709
substrate:
Corn cob bedding and vermiculite can cause blockages while pine shaving and cedar shavings cause skin irritation. Taken from this link;
http://www.reptilia.org/care_sheets/snakes/csheets_snk_tips.htm