Bamboo for pets?

The short answer

Yes!  Bamboo is natural and nontoxic, and makes for stunning additions to tanks and enclosures for all manner of animal friends including:  reptiles, amphibians, insects, spiders, small mammals, birds, snails, and fish.  Plus, the planet will thank you.

 The long answer

Bamboo is a type of grass that grows all over the world.  In its natural state it harbors many different critters that use it for food and shelter.  It’s no wonder it makes an excellent addition to all types of tank and enclosures, as well as a few uses for other household pets.  

Compared to any other material that goes into your setup, our bamboo is hands down the most sustainable and earth friendly type of vivarium décor/substrate  you can use.

Here is our top 5 reason to choose our bamboo for your pets.

 Non toxic

Our bamboo is grown in Ohio USA using the power of the sun, the nourishment of the rain, and the earth it is rooted in… nothing else.  Our bamboo groves are maintained free from any herbicides or pesticides.  Bamboo has inherent anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties with incredible resiliency, and as far as I can tell does not harbor any chemicals, diseases or microbes that may negatively impact the health of any of your pets.  NOTE: when used in aquariums, particularly in quantity, bamboo will lower the PH slightly as well as discolor the water (think light green tea), so take extra care with setups that need a high PH.

How it’s grown is only part of the equation, turning what is essentially fresh cut grass into finished products requires additional care.  Read on for more about how we approach this process.

Durable

Bamboo is quite durable and rot resistant when compared with timber products and other organic material.  It holds up much better in the high humidity conditions often needed, hence its success at thriving in jungle environs.

However there are some limitations.  Bamboo once harvested contains high levels of sugars and starches, as well as moisture, which contribute to attracting insect damage, particularly in the form of powder post borer beetles.  There are 3 ways to combat this issue.  A borax capillary soak or a harsh chemical bath, are the two options that rely on some form of insecticide being infused into the walls of the bamboo.  The third option, which we find much more elegant, involves careful application of heat.  This is the primary reason many forums offer various suggestions for “sterilizing” bamboo via some form of cooking before using it in enclosures.  Not so much for the safety of the animals but the longevity of the bamboo should powder post borers have already infiltrated.

We use various artistic open flame techniques to heat treat every inch of our vivarium decor pieces. This process not only reduces the moisture, sugars and starches that attract insect damage, it sweats the plants natural oils to the surface which we burnish with a touch of orange oil and beeswax.  These oils harden into a protective enamel-like shell that repels water and UV damage as well as giving it more visual appeal.  Additionally, this process softens up any sharp edges.

With products like leaves or substrates, our bamboo is cured in a  low humidity room until completely desiccated, meaning it’s fairly sterile and ready to use.

Sustainable and climate friendly

Consider the energy output required for extraction and manufacturing of metal or plastic vivarium décor or pet toys. I go out in my yard and cut the bamboo with a hand saw and make with my hands.  What about wood? Compared to an equal sized stand of trees, bamboo will generate over 30% more oxygen and sequester 2x- 5x the amount of carbon, depending on the tree species. Trees require decades to harvest, bamboo generally in 2-3 years, repeatedly, every year.  Additionally natural bamboo doesn’t require, pesticides, herbicides or any other chemicals. It isn’t really even close, if caring for the future of our planet is important to you, then hand made bamboo vivarium décor / substrate is the very best you can buy.

 Easy to clean

Unlike wood products which tend to attract and harbor fungus and rot, bamboo has a natural resistance to fungus, mold, and microbes.  Plus our heat treatment process leaves a smooth finish on the bamboo, meaning dirt and residue wipes off easily.  Heck, toss it in the dishwasher!    

Aesthetically Pleasing with good energy

The unique visual appeal of our bamboo vivarium decor adds to the overall ambiance of any setup. There is an undeniable warm and grounding energy in the bamboo, organic and earthy like a dear old friend. It is beautiful and exotic, your pets will love it, yet it is just humble grass.  The natural balance of things, is there within it. 

 Shop our pet supplies on Etsy!

Some review photos from happy customers!

 Don’t take our word for it

Here are just a few of the pet supply 5 star reviews from verified buyers from my Etsy shop:

“Our chameleons are loving their new branches! Stellar customer service! …” – soliderpolkgirl1    “These are AMAZING! The PERFECT addition to my reptile enclosure!! Absolutely love them!” –Jennifer    “…My green tree python is SO picky about what she perches on and was so disinterested in her new things that she would rather turn into a terrestrial snake instead of an arboreal one. I was so thankful when these arrived, and Mantis took an immediate liking to them (now we can't get her to move off them). …– Marciella R   “Perfect leaf litter for my Asian fossorial tarantula species!...” –Christopher  “My ball python loves it! And it adds a lot of character to his tank. Thank you!” -Nikki   “These leaves were exactly what I needed for my two young tegus cages, they loved making nests out of them!” -Chris