Can I use a piece of wood in my beardies habitat?

Question

I read that stones found out and about can be used in a bearded dragons habitat, but that i is wise to wrap them in foil and "bake" them to rid them of parasites and mold.

I of course would like to eventually fill his habitat with pieces of wood and stones from a petstore, etc. but being at least 20 bucks a pop, I just can't afford to do that right now. In the meantime I was wondering if I could use some left over pieces of wood that my man used to build this and that. The wood is not weather treated, or treated with any other chemical. it is just plain wood from the local hardare store.

I don't see why I wouldn't be able to use it to give him more of a climbing and basking area, I just wanted to make sure.

Thanks

Answer 1

yes just make sure it is clean but it will be easier and even last longer if you just buy something at a pet store...

Answer 2

I've never baked a 2x4, but I assume you would treat it the same as any other wood hide/perch.

Just bake it at 350 for 1/2 hr.  I'm not sure if sap might leech as it heats, so put a piece of tin foil under it on the lower shelf.

My only concern here would be leeching sap.  I'd be afraid it would get on the beardie...

Just make sure it's not sticky when you're done.

Hope this has been of help.

Answer 3

as long as you throw it in the oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees...

don't worry it will be fine

Answer 4

it should be fine just make sure you bake it.... i'v done this for my 2 beardies and for my snakes n never had a problem

Answer 5

yeah its fine just make sure you bake them and wash them for parasites

Answer 6

I have used natural pieces of wood in a habitats that we have at my job for our bearded dragons and iguana.  I have treated smaller pieces to kill mold and such by microwaving them.  For the larger pieces, we soak overnight in a 10% bleach and water solution, rinse until the smell is totally gone, then soak again in plain water overnight and allow to dry.