Anybody ever put this in their viv ?

I was thinking of adding some oak and maple leaves to the new viv.Maybe even some dry pine needles.
What do you guys think ?

I don't know...

For the maple and oak leaves: do you mean new, green ones (are there any oils from the leaves to harm snake? :shrugs: ) or dried colorful ones (wouldn't they just crumble under the weight and constant movement of the snake)?

For pine needles: I don't think they would be comfortable for snake. I know I hate the few that get embedded in my carpet when I remove my X-mas tree every year (OUCH!! )

I don't think there would be a problem with the leaves but I would stay away from "Pine" anything as the pitch/tar in the wood emits gases/toxins that can be harmful to your snake. That is why you use Aspen as a substate and not pine or cedar shavings. The only setback I would see with the leaves, even though it would look more natural, is when the dry out to much and the snake pounds them into dust from his/her constant movements. I just think there would be constant cleaning/redecorating that would need to be done. If you didn't mind the extra effort I think your viv would look nice. Here is another option, go to your local WalMart and go to the craft section and get some fake leaves ($1.00 - $2.00 each). They don't rot and if the snake soiled on them they would be easy to clean . We use them in our display vivs along with some fake flowers from WalMart as well. Hope this helps.
Jay

I don't think brown, dried pine needles would be bad. I wouldn't use them as a substrate, but a small bunch of them would be OK I think. I've found quite a few snakes in pine needle in the wild when there was plenty of other stuff to choose from. In fact, the floors of pine woods are the primary habitats for many colubrids.

Thanks guys,,,PJCreptiles,I have seen those leaves in Walmarts.I'll have to take another look at them.
Skychimp,,you know exactly what I'm talking about.As far as any "pitch or oils" left in the needles,,,there completely dried out,so....I'll let you guys know how I make out.

I think the big concern would be putting untreated items into your viv that could potentially introduce insects and/or parasites to your snake. Usually you would bake items (like a branch) to kill any insects prior to placing in a viv, but I do not think that would be safe with leaves/needles.

If I introduce something organic such as sphagnum moss for a moist hide box…I’ll steam them to kill any harmful bacteria.

The setup I use is essentially a double-boiler, with the inside “pot” being a strainer that fits inside the outer pot.

Regards,
Steve

I used to put big yellow fallen-off loquat leaves in with Maizey.

Nanci