Safe Decor for a Reptile Cage
Although you may find a unique twisted branch, or small plant that would look great next to your leopard gecko or bearded dragon, it is best to leave it alone and purchase safe decor for your reptile cage.
Why can’t I put found items in my reptile tank?
Naturally occurring drift wood, logs and branches may look nice, but they also may be infested with microscopic parasites that could make your reptile very ill. Since many parasites and bugs are too tiny to been seen with the naked eye, you may be unknowingly infesting your reptile cage and pet with mites, jiggers or flea larva.
Natural items found in a park or yard may have been sprayed with lawn fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals that could also make your pet sick.
What are safe decorations for my reptile cage?
The safest way to decorate you reptile’s cage is to purchase plastic and man-made natural items at a pet store. Many of the replicas look like naturally occurring logs, vines, foliage and plants.
Kritterz makes a variety of reptile cage decor that is safe for a variety of pets, including small mammals, reptile, fish and amphibians. Since most reptiles require a hiding place, the Kritterz Hollow Hideaway, which is made of resin and hand painted with a wood and vine design, makes a great get-away for your reptile.
Exo-Terra makes sand colored caves out of poly-resin that is painted with a pet-safe paint. My leopard gecko loves his natural looking cave, and uses it for his sleeping spot.
If you prefer a more natural look in your reptile cage, you should look into Mac’s Creatures and Critter’s Pet Refuges. The half logs are made from real wood and bark that has been treated for your pet’s safety. My ball python loves to hide under his Mac’s Creatures and Critter’s Pet Refuges log, and then lay on top of it when it’s time to do some basking.
To finish it all off, all reptile cages need some foliage. I have tried Pet-Tech Habi-Scape Tropical Plants with Pacific Driftwood to give my reptiles shelter, a place to hide, play and bask. My leopard gecko loves to stretch out on the long plant leaves to lap up water droplets.
Reptile Decor Maintenance
All plastic, ceramic and resin reptile cage decor should be washed in a mild bleach water solution at least once a week. This will sanitize your reptile’s decor, kill all parasites brought into the cage on food items and keep your pet healthy!
