Cypress - where do you get it?

I've been thinking of switching to Cypress and was wondering where those who use it, get it. I want to balance the pros and cons of distance, price and prepping. Also, if you've had any problems using it, thanks.

i use to use it its worked for a while but i didnt like the chunks of huge bark in it, thats the only problem i saw with it but other than the chunks i liked it

I had been getting it at PetSmart/Petco, but it's pricey at a buck a quart even in the "large" bags (which aren't). I didn't notice any huge chunks of bark, but if you get the stuff that is set up for gardens rather than reptiles I've heard it's not as finely shredded, can come with bugs (not mites, just other critters), and in most cases is a blend of different wood. The "cypress" at Home Depot and Lowes is over 50% pine, I did call the manufacturer to check.

I just ordered cypress from Reptile Basics, which sells the two cubic foot (about 52 quart) bags for $25 shipped. It'll be delivered later this week and I'll give you my impression of the product then. It may be the same as Kamlar's SerpenTurf - http://www.kamlar.com/serpenturf100cypress.html

BTW I did in inquire about having bulk SerpenTurf shipped up to me but couldn't get enough folks interested in a group order - minimum would have been a pallet (72 bags at 2 cubic feet per bag at $3.25 per bag ...plus shipping...).

i got mine from a premium nursery they have no other wood in the cypress 100 percent all cypress with no toxins or chemicals check the nurseries in the area they would carry it

Thanks for the info!

I've checked out the SerpenTurf before and it looked promising but I'd go through so much. Did that bulk order need to be shipped to one location or could it be shipped out to separate locations by the distributor?

That was to ship a pallet to one location, you had to arrange for a truck to pick it up and give them 48 hours heads-up of when it would be there so they could have a pallet ready to go on that date.  They did give me a list of companies that have done deliveries for other breeders.  Delivery was cheaper if you could arrange to have it dropped at a commercial address, preferrably one with a forklift available.
 
Reptile Basics is based in NC not far from them, and I think the 2 cubic foot bags they sell for $25 shipped are likely SerpenTurf.  My delivery is scheduled for today according to FedEx tracking so I can verify that tonight.  SerpenTurf isn't that far south of Richmond down I-95, from your place you can probably get down and back in a few hours with your own truck.

Otherwise, I've never had a problem using it. I keep my BRB's on it year-round to maintain their humidity, and everyone else gets it over the winter since the air in my house gets dry no matter how many pans of water I put on the wood stove or how much the humidifier runs...

Got the order from RB last night, the cypress has the same look/feel as the Forest Floor brand.  It's double-chop so there are no big pieces, it's damp but not sopping wet, etc.  It comes in a clear plastic bag with no label, shipper was FedEx, price delivered was half of what you'd pay at PetCo or PetSmart.  Fortunately our FedEx delivery folks are used to us receiving large/heavy shipments.

ETA: Folks close to Fredericksburg may want to check into http://quailridgeproducts.com/products/cypress-mulch/.

Thanks for the info! How many/size tubs do you think you can do with 2cuft?

I've used it for a while now, as said where you get it can make a difference in its make up and chunks, I was getting it ace hard ware. I am not the only one the guy asked me if I was using for yard or snakes. I like it a lot for humidity. I add more water when in shed and less when not. I feed on it with No problems to date. I had snakes lay eggs in it no problems noted. No bug problems so far. Spot cleans nicely. On big clean outs I just put it in a trash can and use it to mulch flower bed. I believe it 5 a bag there. And it will do 8 - 10 32qt bins for me. You don't get the wet aspen problem because if you or the snake slops it just water to absorb by the Cyprus. I even bring in a water hose through the window to wet it no more gallon jugs. Hope this helps some more.

Thanks Steve! There is an ACE on my way to and from work so I'll check it out.