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I know cedar shavings are lethal to reptiles, but is it only lethal if ingested? The reason I ask is we are planning my argentine black and white tegu cage, and cedar boarding is cheaper and more attractive as a furniture style piece. Is is bad to even use the cedar boards to build the walls of a cage? The inside will not be stained or lacquered or anything, just the wood. Is there something else (like him licking the sides) that could be harmful? Unless I receive lots of replies saying cedar boarding is ok, I will not risk it and will go with regular old pine. Thanks for your time.
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-Bill

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It's not just if ingested that makes cedar bad it's the aromatic oils, these would still be very potent with cedar boards and you tegu's constantly breathing them could be potentially fatal. Even pine needs to be sealed for the same reason although the oils are less volatile. In addition as messy as tegus can be when eating and pooping unfinished lumber is going to be impossible to sanitize. Just my 2 cents.
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Hope this helps.

BigT