Eucalyptus wood cage???

[Hmmm]

I was planning on building a cage for my future ball python. I was planning on using eucalyptus wood since its the cheapest I can find. Would it be safe to use that kind of wood for his cage, even if I plan on sealing it? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks

[franks]

That is cheaper than pine?

[Jim Smith]

I would not use eucalyptus wood to build a cage. While eucalyptus oil is used as a medicine by some people, it must be greatly diluted first. Breathing fumes from the eucalyptus oil can cause respiratory distress and even infections. It could have a very adverse effect on your snakes or possibly even kill them if the wood was not kiln dried first. If you're intent on building your own cages out of wood, I would strongly recommend that you use plywood or even melamine to build your cages. It is stronger than regular boards and probably cheaper if you're covering a large area. Just one man's opinion.

[Hmmm]

Originally Posted by franks

That is cheaper than pine?

It was only seven dollars for one board and I can use that whole board for my cage.

[Hmmm]

Originally Posted by Jim Smith

I would not use eucalyptus wood to build a cage. While eucalyptus oil is used as a medicine by some people, it must be greatly diluted first. Breathing fumes from the eucalyptus oil can cause respiratory distress and even infections. It could have a very adverse effect on your snakes or possibly even kill them if the wood was not kiln dried first. If you're intent on building your own cages out of wood, I would strongly recommend that you use plywood or even melamine to build your cages. It is stronger than regular boards and probably cheaper if you're covering a large area. Just one man's opinion.

Thank you for the advice good thing I asked before I started building lol.

[Will0W783]

Any aromatic wood can cause severe respiratory distress and even death in reptiles. This includes cedar, pine, eucalyptus, and other woods that have a strong odor.

Only the non-aromatic hard woods are safe.