So what woods are poisonous to reptiles.

[stkkts]

Since no one can tell me what wood my new tank is made from, I will bring a piece to home depot tonight to try and find out. But my question is, what is poisonous to snakes? I know cedar will kill the animal. But what about Birch, Luan, and Pine? Anyone have a complete list the the woods to not be used, eaither for substrate or housing, for a reptile?

[Andy_G]

Pine is also poisonous to snakes. Don't know about the others.

[Darlene]

I'm sure a more exact answer will come but I believe a good rule of thumb is no softwoods.

[Invictus]

Darlene is correct - avoid softwoods. Fir is LESS toxic to snakes, but can still cause problems. I'd avoid cedar entirely, but basically, if the wood you use is very well sealed, you need not worry, since the snake will not be coming into contact with the wood itself.

[stkkts]

what are soft woods? is birch a softwood?

[Stockwell]

Cedar is the big nasty.
I use pine for all my racks and fir and poplar plywood quite often, in bigger cages. It's fine if it's stained and given a couple coats of varathane..
All woods with glue, such as plywood, melamine and particle board give off some formaldehyde gas, but this is minimal and not a big concern providing the surface is sealed..

[Linds]

Any softwood is toxic, but they can be used to build enclosures (except for cedar!) as long as they are properly sealed. Black Walnut is another wood I would be weary of, haven't heard anything about in terms of cage building, but I know the tree itself is quite toxic to most things... even most plants won't grow around it. All of these should be avoided as substrates, but all softwoods (except cedar) can be used in enclosures as long as they are sealed well. Birch is a hardwood, so its fine to use

[Lisa]

Oak is another nice one to use.

[Darlene]

General rule of thumb again.....
softwoods are the evergreens.
Spruce, fir, pine, juniper, etc.