ReptiChip is made from the highest grade of chipped coconut husk available. Reptile and Amphibian keepers love ReptiChip because it:

• Retains humidity extremely well
• Absorbs odors
• Soft substrate with no fear of impaction
• Lowest sodium/mineral content available
• Easy to clean
• Saves a tremendous amount of time cleaning
• No parasites or bugs (no need to bake or freeze)
• 100% natural, organic, renewable, and sustainable

Testing

Nine months of experimentation of 9 different manufacturers and varieties of chipped coconut on our personal collection of over 1000 animals prior to bringing the coconut to market. The coconut was evaluated on several criteria (quality, consistency, and cleanliness, etc.) as well as the manufacturing process (Quality Control, packaging, delivery times, response time, etc.). The coconut and manufacturer that we have chosen have surpassed all other brands in our testing.

Knowledge

ReptiChip LLC was formed first and foremost by reptile people. JT Tomlinson of On the Ball Pythons formed this company from the ground up knowing that ReptiChip is the absolute BEST product available for the majority of species commonly kept in the exotic animal hobby. We take pride in our knowledge base about coconut, and more specifically, how to use ReptiChip with reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and other small mammals.

Giving back

ReptiChip continually donates to organizations and individuals that further the expansion of the reptile hobby and the enhance the protection of reptile keeper rights. In 2016, ReptiChip has significantly contributed to USARK, The Texas Rattlesnake Festival, K3M Veterans for Veterans. and private hobbyists who have lost their animal collections through tragedy or crisis. ReptiChip additionally promotes fellow reptile and amphibian breeders who are up and coming in the industry through paid and unpaid advertising campaigns.

Ethics

We promote only the best business practices and unsurpassed customer service in all that we do. Our customers are our business…and we take care of them before all else.

Watch the video tutorial here.

Equipment Needed:

• Large container (e.g., 27-gallon Commander XXL or similar)
• A working garden hose

Steps:

1. Place the ReptiChip breeder blocks in the container.
2. Flip the blocks over or create two small incisions on the bottom side of each block, one on each corner. Remove any labels.
3. Start filling the container with water using the garden hose. Begin with one side of the container.
4. Allow the water to overflow as needed. If there's any spillage, it's fine as long as it stays in the container.
5. Once one side is adequately wet, turn the blocks over, so the other side gets soaked.
6. Gently press the blocks down to ensure even moisture distribution.
7. If any water seeps back down, it's normal. Just ensure the blocks are evenly moistened.
8. Allow a few minutes for the blocks to absorb water and expand.
9. After around 9 minutes and 30 seconds, check the consistency of the blocks. They should be perfectly expanded without being overly wet.
10. Your expanded ReptiChip blocks are now ready to use as bedding for your reptiles and amphibians.

ReptiChip products have proven to work extremely well for all commonly kept reptiles and amphibians.

Each block of ReptiChip is 10.5 pounds and will make 7 x CB70/41 quart tubs of substrate (at an inch and a half thick).

While ReptiChip is mold resistant, any wood based product (including paper) can mold under the right conditions of moisture and heat. Three things that you can do to ensure that mold doesn't take root:

1. Increase aeration (hand sift the chips, and ensure that there is adequate ventilation in your tubs/enclosures).
2. Ensure that the chips are not over saturated with water. If you squeeze a chip and more than a drop of water comes out, then they may be over saturated. To fix this, increase aeration, or add some dry chips to the mix.
3. Diligently remove organic matter regularly (poop, sheds, etc. Regular spot cleanings are the best for this...any shed or poop is usually the first to grow mold under the right conditions...even rodent poop from live feedings will grow it first) and ensure that the enclosure is cleaned regularly with a reptile safe disinfectant (f10 or chlorhexidine).

There are 2 ways you can store Reptichip:

1. Break off what you need and just expand that (be sure to use less water than you think...it's always easier to add more water later). You can store the rest of the dry block for use indefinitely.
2. Expand the whole block in a large container or tote, and use just what you need. For this you can store the constituted block, however you will want to leave the lid off of the top to allow the moisture to evaporate. Give it a hand toss every few days to allow the chip to aerate until dry. When it comes time to replace your Reptichip, just add a bit more water to the amount you need and you're in business!

We ceased using cypress here due to the rampant destruction of wetland habitats. 68% of the US wetland habitat has been destroyed since 1970 due to the deforestation that occurs to produce cypress mulch. A cypress tree takes 40 years to grow to size. We moved to chipped coconut (of the absolute highest quality) which is a sustainable and renewable resource. Here are a few articles for those that are interested in learning more about wetland habitat destruction caused by the cypress logging industry:

• The global decline of reptiles, deja’ vu amphibians
• UNCOVERING THE TRUTH: INVESTIGATING THE DESTRUCTION OF PRECIOUS WETLAND FORESTS

You can purchase ReptiChip here, or find a distributor in your area. Check back often as our distributor network is updated regularly!

Unopened blocks can be returned to ReptiChip within 10 days after receiving the item. Shipping and handling are non-refundable. Used ReptiChip products may not be returned and are not subject to refund.

Misconception: Snake mites can't be transmitted through packaged and sealed substrate. Reptile mites need a live host to survive, so direct contact with a mite-infested reptile is necessary for transfer. The entire snake mite life cycle is 13-23 days, and without a host, they die within a month.

ReptiChip's Process:

1. Coconuts are harvested, chipped, cleaned, and packaged six months before arriving in the US, spending four months in sealed cargo.
2. Products are inspected by phytosanitary officials, cleared by outbound customs in Sri Lanka, and inbound customs in the US.
3. Products are sent to vector-free Amazon and ReptiChip warehouses in the US, avoiding animal contact.

In short, ReptiChip products can't carry snake mites due to the manufacturing process. Detecting mites is challenging until they multiply, often unnoticed in new reptile acquisitions. Other sources of mites include handling reptiles at shops or shows, but the misconception of packaged substrate transmitting mites is not accurate.