BAMBOO?...Ok for BP Hide?

[Wildman09]

Ok, I have like 30-40 bamboo Trees in my back yard....I was planning on cutting a few down and using some pieces as hides....I just wanted to make sure it wont hurt my little guy. I have started lightly sanding it off, and I'm gonna soak it in hot water for a while before putting it in his enclosure...


Is it cool to use Bamboo in a BP enclosure?

I have a bunch that are like 30+ feet tall and thought about cleaning up a few 8-12'' pieces and selling em on CL.....Wouldn't hurt huh?


Thanks.
-Wildman

[CoolioTiffany]

I don't think you will be able to make much of a secure, tight fitting hide out of bamboo. I just use these small plastic bowls I cut a hole into for a hide and it works. I like using the exo-terra hides though, they work so well.

[Wildman09]

Oh, well I have verying (sp?) sizes. From the base to the tops...I'd guess the base measures about 4-5'' around, and the top areas are, I figured, 2-3''....What I did is cut it in half, kinda like the regular wood hides sold at local pet shops....I can even leave one end somewhat closed so it resembles a small "cave" kinda deal....

So, would the bamboo have any ill effects towards the bp?....

[Swingline0.0.1]

Bacteria would build very quickly.

[CoolioTiffany]

The log hides are not secure enough for Ball pythons, so it would not make the best hide. And listen to what Swingline said, another pretty good reason.

[Wildman09]

Cool, yeah I was thinking about that today....I just went and bought some bowls to use as hides...I gotta get pics of him feeding/setting up the tank...

Thanks everyone.
-Wildman

[Evenstar]

My bp adores her 1/2 log hide. She won't use any other. I have a piece of cardboard fixed to one end to create a sort of cave rather than leaving it open on both ends and she just loves it. Obviously, it has to be the appropriate size, but mine is just right for her and I can replace the cardboard every few days or so with a fresh piece.

I would think the bamboo would be technically safe to use although it may be difficult to keep clean as someone else said. But no harder than regular wood which works well for some. When you only have one or two snakes, this isn't as much of a big deal. I would not use wood if I had several snakes. But having only one, it is reasonably easy to clean.

But I wouldn't just soak the bamboo in hot water - that won't be hot enough to kill bacteria or parasites. It would have to be boiled. Or maybe bake it in the oven for 10-15 minutes to be safe. Just my thoughts....