Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is it safe to use wood that we find from the river in my king snakes terrarium? Should I sanitize it? And are there kinds to avoid?

Also are fake plants safe?

I am a new snake mom and I am learning these things as I go. So I thank you in advance!

Snakes do not pick up diseases from wood, but some woods have oils that can be irritating in an enclosed space, or have spores that might do the same. For that reason it is good to soak the wood in a mild bleach solution and then dry it with a hair dryer or in the sun.

The silk fake plants have no plastic odor. The cheaper plastic plants often do. I prefer the silk plants. They also retain moisture better if you mist the cage.

I've always put whatever piece of wood I wanted to use in the oven for an hour or so at 175ish degrees. I've never had any problems.
I've always used madrone as it's nice and smooth and very plentiful here in Oregon.
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Jason