Bamboo

[Randolph]

Now I know pine is deadly to snakes, but what i don't know is the effect of Bamboo on a snake. Does anyone know if it is safe? I'm building a custom enclosure for my Boa and I have a limitless supply of bamboo(my dad imports it from China). The only real problem that i know of with bamboo is that it does shed a little after it has been dead for awhile. Can someone help me out? I really want to give the cage a "somewhat" natural look. I know you don't find bamboo in Columbia but you also don't find PVC in the forests either. Thanks for your help.

[mykee]

Are you asking if you can BUILD the enclosure out of bamboo? That probably wouldn't be the greatest of ideas. I would stick with melamine or Plexi. You can surely put bamboo IN the enclosure to give it a more natural look. Good luck.

[Linds]

Pine isn't deadly to snakes, it just isn't the best choice as it has the potential to cause health problems. It is quite mild, cedar is the one that can prove to be fatal. It is fine if you are building the enclosure out of it, or even building shelves in it, just as long as it is properly sealed.

[T.O-SK8TER]

I have bamboo in my cage, I think it looks awesome here is a pic!

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/370201/Dscn1068.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/370201/Dscn1065.jpg

[Invictus]

The only concern I'd have with the bamboo is splintering. A bamboo splinter could prove to be extremely painful and problematic to a snake, since it will inevitably rub up against it, especially when shedding. If you keep it sanded and check for splinters periodically, it shouldn't be a problem though. Bamboo does not contain phenol resins, which is the toxic constituent of cedar and other softwoods.

[T.O-SK8TER]

yea, rubbing some para wax on the bamboo smothens it out, cause I got a nick from the bamboo when cutting it and man it is sharp! Its like a razzor!