Pine?

[crayolaskies]

I've always heard that pine wood is bad for geckos, but why and what are the symptoms? The reason I'm asking is because I have a rolltop desk that I do my homework at and sometimes I'll get one of my leos and let he/she walk around the surface of the desk while I work. I didn't find out until today that the desk is made of pine. Should I be concerned?

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

LOL...I don't think there's any concern with a gecko coming in contact with a pine desk. That desk has some sort of finish on it, I'm guessing. And the pine the furniture is made out of is usually very dry, so there's really no risk.

I definitely wouldn't go lining an enclosure with pine chips of ANY sort for ANY reptile. The problems are the tar that is naturally contained in the wood, along with the pungent odor it produces. I don't have any experience with reptiles kept on pine, but I consider it about as healthy for them as cedar (Big NoNo)!

 

[crayolaskies]

The reason I'm a little bit concerned is because they lick the desk as they walk around and the ones that have been exploring the desk frequently have had less of an appetite and seem more lethargic than usual.

 

[ReptileMan27]

Pine and ceder contain oils that are deadly to herps. I dont think a pine desk would hurt it though.

 

[goReptiles]

pine and cedar are bad for most animals. I'm still not sure why they manufacture it. I can't find even a small animal that can be housed with pine or cedar... it's all aspen...

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

Lauren, if you're concerned with the gecko's contact with the desk then you as the keeper know best. If you think there's reason for concern then keep them off it. Nobody, including me, will think any worse of you!

And other than that, make sure everything else is correct in order to boost their appetite. As an example, enclosure temps, healthy feeder insects and very low stress are other things you should be warey of if the gecko isn't eating the amount you think it should. Good Luck!

 

[crayolaskies]

Thanks, I'm not so worried now. I checked the temps yesterday and they're fine. I think they may not be eating as much because it's winter and it's colder than usual. That would also explain them being more lethargic. I'm going to keep them off the desk anyway, just to be sure.