Can i use pine tree bark in crested gecko vivarium?

Geckos Crested Geckos
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Can i use pine tree bark in crested gecko vivarium?
Is it safe for crested gecko?

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I’m not sure that pine tree bark would be suitable for a crestie substrate due to the strong pine oil scent? Others may disagree but I think I would use something else……such as a type of reptile soil substrate, which would be easier on their feet.
Or even paper towels or unprinted newspaper.

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I would highly recommend against pine or cedar… the oils are toxic and if they get enough of the oil on them, can cause serious burns. If a bark is what you are wanting to do… I highly recommend cypress or coconut husk… both retain water though… which is great for humidity… not so great if you have other enrichment items in the enclosure due to mold and mildew… I use the coconut seedling matt for my Ball pythons it’s super easy to clean and reuse and helps wonderfully with shedding.

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For substrate?

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I avoid all evergreen trees as they can contain things like Cedar, which aren’t good for reptiles

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Cedar chips are cheap and look great!

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Cheap doesn’t mean good.

I thought that Cedar causes respiratory issues

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I remember hearing this as well

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Uncured cedar chips do cause problems, but I got the ones that work for Crested Geckos, that they recommended at my favorite private pet store.

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I didn’t think any were suitable for Crested Geckos!

I’m not trying to be rude, I’ve just never seen any that are suitable, whether it’s cured or not.

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‘Chips’ I wouldn’t recommend at all for Cresties, definitely shouldn’t be used.

We use a mix here of coco fibre, orchid back and sphagnum moss.

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I use the same mix, I also use activated carbon & leaf litter.

I definitely wouldn’t use Cedar chips

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Interesting, didn’t know that. The people at the pet store could easily have been wrong :thinking: Though they are quite experienced. Well, anyways I don’t use them in the current cage.

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Leaf litter too! I always forget that :sweat_smile:

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Defo wrong,
Many pet shops here really don’t know much about reptiles at all. They can choke and die on it so…

I actually wasn’t hired at one years ago because I ‘know too much’. Quite funny really as surely that’s what you want :joy:

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That is funny :grinning: :joy:

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Yes I think you are correct. Cedar chips should definitely be avoided…… :slightly_frowning_face:

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Trust me, I know that it can be hard to accept but most reptile stores aren’t always a wonderful source of care. One of the highest regarded reptile stores in Florida is were I bought Kai. They were feeding 8 month old boas pinky mice, not to mention they all were whistling and popping up a storm ( respiratory infections ). It is not that I don’t love this shop and they produce some great animals but I would definitely do your research on what care or things that you shouldn’t use. Cedar and Pine are things that you will not want in the enclosure with your animals. Long term they cause a lot of damage and problems.

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Ya, I know :thinking: :man_facepalming:

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My reptile shop is great, but they have so many different reptiles, they can’t possibly know everything about all of them.

I’d happily, and have bought reptiles from them. But I’d still do my research.

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