Is real wood ok?

[Lexilou]

I bought this piece of really cool looking wood from a flea market.. The lady says it has been out of the ground for two years.. I want to put it in Dino's terrarium. But how do I disinfect it? Is it safe?

All opinios welcome. Thank you.

[DianaBlueTongue]

How big is it and what kind of wood? If it's small enough you can stick it in your oven and bake it for like 20 minutes at a high temp or get an organic non toxic spray disinfectant and lightly spray it down but if it's been out of the forest for 2 years then it's honestly probably fine to use. There's reptile cleaning sprays they sell at pet stores made specifically for cleaning reptile cages and are safe for reptiles, id imagine you could use that too

[DianaBlueTongue]

And so excited for you to be getting Dino! He's a stunning little bub! Make sure to post LOTS of pics when you get hm!!!

[Lexilou]

The woman said it was from the inside of a cactus, not very big at all, its really cool looking. But thanks so much Diana and goshhhh I know!!! I can't wait for wednesday i'll post plenty of pictures. You have to post pictures of Fay too!!

[Noah H.]

My strategy for the piece of wood that I'm using was to first scrub the bark side using a wire brush to get of anything other than bark, use a power sander to smooth the sides and bottom, and finally an oven bake. I think you should be good to go on your wood, but I'm a bit hesitant because you don't know the exact source of the wood. I know the exact tree my wood came from, and know the tree was free of any parasites or internal rot.

[Lexilou]

Thank you Noah!
But yeah the woman said it came from the inside of a cactus and it hasn't been in nature for two years. I oven baked it and cleaned it up.. Hopefully its alright

[Scotts1au]

Generally I think the risks of introducing a problem to a vivarium from a piece of wood are pretty low. The only concerns I would have are if the wood was sourced from another reptile enclosure even turtles, or other reptiles and has been disposed of because the reptiles died. Under those circumstances there is a risk of infection by bugs such as Cryptosporidium, Salmonella etc. Similar issues if the wood recently came from an enclosure that had mites. The problem being is that prior to using it, you will probably never know.

That being said blueys will appreciate the space, more than the wood.

[Lexilou]

Thank you!
Séamus really likes it though so I'm gonna leave it in his tank haha
He basks on it and hides behind it