Hardwood Hides????

I just started making some cool custom hides to fit my tank .. I am using leftover Oak Hardwoods from my home flooring project mostly because I think it will look super cool....... but I really don't know if it would harm my BP (Chill E. Dog). I AM using carpenters glue but it will be fully cured before introduction.

Does anyone know of any off-gassing problems with these materials???

I think the bigger problem will be keeping them clean. Wood tends hold bacteria. I would recommend the plastic hides like the ones Reptile Basics sell - you can't beat them.

You can probably seal ten with an epoxy finish and they shouldn't soak up or hold any bacteria.


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As long as you are able to scrub off and actual poop, I think they should be ok to clean. Wooden cutting boards have been common for years, and not everyone dedicates one to raw meat. I read somewhere that they actually can harbor less bacteria than plastic ones, because in a plastic one stuff can grow in all the little interstices where it gets cut. A wooden one sprays the moisture out and lets it evaporate quickly. So basically, of you wash it periodically and let it dry completely before putting it back, it should be ok. If it gets poop smeared all over it that might be harder to deal with, but probably not impossible.

Thank you all for the brainstorming, and food for thought. I certainly didn't consider the bacteria problem, I also just thought about the moisture and humidity as well. HMMM
I think with a bit more research I can make an educated decision-- The trump card here may be an animal friendly sealer . If I can find a clear one my set-up will look great.