Black walnut in sulcata enclosure

[TMNTank]

I adopted a twenty year old sulcata and planned on building a new larger enclosure for him this years. The (potential) problem I'm facing is that I have a large blackwalnut tree in the middle of the only space I have available.
I know that walnut bedding isn't advised for torts and I know that some folks use black walnut as an antiparistic for their torts.

For reasons beyond my control removing the tree is not an options.

Why is blackwalnut considered an unsafe food for torts?
If the fallen leaves and walnuts were removed regularly, is there any need for concern?

 

[Maro2Bear]

Here’s a good info sheet on the toxic chemical associated with Black Walnut trees. Lots of good info in there, but I didnt see anything on the chemical’s impact on animals/reptiles, etc. The second item below says the toxin breaks down pretty quickly. Walnut leaves can be composted because the toxin breaks down when exposed to air, water and bacteria. The toxic effect can be degraded in two to four weeks.

➡️ The causal agent is a chemical called “juglone” (5 hydroxy-1,4- napthoquinone), which occurs naturally in all parts of the black walnut.

➡️➡️ https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ho/ho-193.pdf

➡️➡️➡️ https://washtenawcd.org/uploads/5/9/2/0/59207889/black_walnut_toxicity_to_plants.pdf

Not sure how tasty the fallen leaves or the husk is…more research!


Just saw this bit too..

Horses and ponies can contract acute laminitis, an inflammation of the foot, where black walnut wood chips or sawdust is used for stall bedding. Acute laminitis and high respiratory rates in horses and ponies has also been reported where stables and paddocks are located too close to walnut trees. Pollen shedding from walnut trees can cause allergic reactions in people and horses.

Husks of fallen walnuts can become toxic to livestock, and lethal to dogs if ingested due to a mycotoxin called 'Penitrim A', which is produced by Penicillium mould. Therefore, walnut nuts showing symptoms of decomposition, such as a brown or black rotten appearance in the husks, may leak toxin into the kernels and are not fit for human consumption. Source - http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/info_walnut_toxicity.htm

 

[Blackdog1714]

My neighbor had a walnut tree that hung over the other neighbors fence. Those two hated each other- one didn't care about the tree and the other watched it poison numerous plants over the years. Excellent shade and lumber trees but not nice for other things. Good luck!