Cedar wood safe?

[crocodilesjaw]

Hey guys,

I just picked up some dirt from a garden centre and noticed a cool piece of wood on a pile of 12 foot split wood from some sort of rails, I asked if I could buy the small piece but the guy said I could just have it, but he also told me its cedar. The wood looks pretty old, I was wondering if it would be safe to put in a salamander tank after baking it? Would the oils hurt the salamander? If it's not worth risking the little guys skin would it be safe in a snake tank? I'm just wondering if the oils only pose a danger if the wood is ground up or fresh, or if any cedar is just bad.
Thanks!!

 

[crocodilesjaw]

Here's the piece, there's only a bit of the inside exposed (the light colour)

 

[joemomma1016]

Here is a helpful link for wood safe for caudates.Mopani is found at most pet shops but it kind of pricey. I boiled it a couple times to get tannins out. Hope it helps.

Caudata Culture Articles - Wood in Vivaria

 

[joemomma1016]

The hole in the wood looks pretty sweet, but also might puncture a salamander because of its jaggedness. Maybe a fish tank?

 

[crocodilesjaw]

The hole in the wood looks pretty sweet, but also might puncture a salamander because of its jaggedness. Maybe a fish tank?

Thanks for the link!! Its actually pretty soft, I think it was labelled as "antique" wood rail pieces. It's not mushy (yet) but I think it has some light moss on it in places and it's super weathered. It's definitely cool! Just wish it wasn't cedar