MDF board

[ZMonte85]

Is MDF board OK to use to make a custom hide box for a king snake? I have some laying around and I can make a decent hide for my snake out of it as long as it's not dangerous to the snake at all.

[Will]

It just can't get wet, otherwise it'll fall apart.

Poisionous...? If it hasn't been treated with anything, it should be fine...

[Invictus]

If you use MDF, I'd strongly recommend sealing it with melamine paint. This is the same type of paint that is used on sinks and bathtubs, so it's about as waterproof as you're going to get. The problem is, if the snake makes a mess on top of it, the bacteria can sink into the MDF board, and become a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria, so waterproofing is a MUST, not only for the sake of not destroying the fiberboard, but for the sake of sterility and cleanliness as well.

[ZMonte85]

Ok I definetly see that. What if I was to make it out of plywood or some other kind of wood? Doesn't have to be MDF really, I just have some lying around that's all.

[Invictus]

Again, seal it. Any wood can absorb the urine.

[ZMonte85]

Ok thanks guys!

[JonD]

MDF does off-gas. Like Ken said, if you use it, seal it well.

[Invictus]

Not if it was manufactured in the last 5 years. It used to offgas with a formaldehyde gas, but they don't use that resin anymore, because it's toxic to humans as well. But still, if MDF gets wet, not only does it rot, but it's pretty much ruined anyway.

[JonD]

Thanks for the info Ken, always learn somthing new each day!!;)
Cheers.