Baby sulcata enclosure

Could I build an enclosure for a baby sulcata out of melamine wood sheets?

kyel3840 said:

Could I build an enclosure for a baby sulcata out of melamine wood sheets?

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Since you hadn't received a response yet from anyone, I'll take a whack at it.

Because of a special sensitivity my wife has to formaldehyde (which is an ingredient used to make melamine), I have to ensure that anything I purchase for the house is devoid of it. Formaldehyde is also a known carcinogen.

I have no knowledge of how it would affect a tortoise, admittedly. I choose to err on the side of caution with whatever materials I use.

Most of the particle board type materials contain formaldehyde and other toxic adhesives. and most plywood sheets also contain these toxins.

I also like to err on the side of caution and when I built my enclosure I sought out, and paid more for, formaldehyde free plywood for the base.

Any of the particle board or pressboard type sheets will degrade quickly with any exposure to water. This includes melamine. Not a good choice.

And even with plywood, if you don't get an exterior grade plywood, it will not last anywhere near as long.

I saw someone posting about building enclosures with pressure treated woods, which are treated with arsenic and other toxic chemicals ... the toxicity is the point, and what makes them resist bugs and rot.

Jamie

jsheffield said:

I saw someone posting about building enclosures with pressure treated woods, which are treated with arsenic and other toxic chemicals ... the toxicity is the point, and what makes them resist bugs and rot.

Jamie

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Arsenic has not been used in pressure treating lumber as of the end of 2003.

My bad, sorry, but it still has some pretty toxic chemicals in it, doesn't it?

J

jsheffield said:

My bad, sorry, but it still has some toxic chemicals in it, doesn't it?

J

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Yes, but the ones used now are mostly based on borates and/or copper compounds.

jsheffield said:

I saw someone posting about building enclosures with pressure treated woods, which are treated with arsenic and other toxic chemicals ... the toxicity is the point, and what makes them resist bugs and rot.

Jamie

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Okay for outdoor use with good ventilation, but I wouldn't use it indoors.