Are pine shavings okay for my savannah monitor?

Question

I am now giving my 2nd sav monitor a new home, i was wondering if Pine shavings would be acceptable substrate? ive heard they are sometimes poisonous?

Substrate brand: Pestell Pine Shavings

Answer 1

I know pine, cedar, and fir are very bad for snakes, however I'm not sure about lizards. Personally, I wouldn't risk it. May I suggest you try aspen or coconut fiber.

Answer 2

No! Don't use any type of shavings. When eating, they may get lodged into the mouth, and will (obviously) cause damage. If it is poisonous... well, that's another reason not to get it, hm?

For a Savannah Monitor, I would recommend either Astroturf (the most common type of artificial turf/carpet), or possibly pea gravel (small to medium). Although artificial turf/carpet and brown Butcher paper would be your best bet. The carpet is something you can wash, so it's inexpensive. But when the paper is soiled, you cannot wash it, so you have to throw it away and get new stuff.