Safe Wood - Half Logs?

[JoeHermits]

I am well aware that half logs commonly used for reptiles are safe for hermit crabs.

However, many believe that they are not because the logs are often made from cedar. Low altitude cedar, if I recall correctly.

I’ve heard that there are no known reports of a hermit crab death being directly linked to something it ate. Are the half logs harmless simply because crabs don’t eat them, or is it more complicated (dried wood with fewer fumes, etc.)?

[wodesorel]

It is some sort of fir, not cedar, but they do not give an exact species.

And yes, it is because it is dried and treated. The pine family itself is not harmful - pinecones and needles are a welcomed treat by many hermits, and they live among (and in) pine and related species in the wild.

The problem is if you were to put fresh fir with all that sap and volatile oils into a contained space. We assume it would be bad for hermits since it causes health issues with all small pets and fish, as it should also irritate their modified gills.

[JoeHermits]

Oh, thanks! I thought I’d read somewhere that the logs were cedar. It could have been for something, else, though.

It’s a shame we don’t know exactly what it is, but at least it’s been confirmed safe.