Greetings,
I’m planning my first chameleon vivarium and the whole safe plants issue is kinda messy, I have seen many conflicting reports over the ficus and the scefflera, even the species considered safe.
Take a look at this section I found on the scefflera aboricola wikipedia page,
Poisoning
Schefflera poisoning is due to the species containing "sharp" calcium oxalate crystals that are insoluble and damage the cells and tissues of the animals ingesting them. Depending on the amount that a pet consumes the resulting damage (swelling) of exposed tissues and digestive tract may be fatal to the animal. Household pets should be kept away from consuming this plant (nibbling) for their own safety as should all children.
Due to the misuse and confusion of the common name "Umbrella Plant" or "Umbrella Tree" this species has been mistakenly included on many internet lists as "safe plants" for reptile keepers. The presence of oxalate crystals is a known issue and consumption can be regarded potentially serious as the calcium oxalate crystals can significantly damage liver and kidneys of the animals ingesting any part of this or related Schefflera species. Symptoms in pets can include: cardiac arrhythmia, diarrhea, vomiting , dilated eyes, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, hoarse barking, labored breathing, loss of appetite numbness of exposed area(s), obstruction of the airway, pawing/rubbing at the face or mouth and the swelling of the tongue and lips.
Does the awfully sensetive chameleon able to break these down?
Your thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
I’m planning my first chameleon vivarium and the whole safe plants issue is kinda messy, I have seen many conflicting reports over the ficus and the scefflera, even the species considered safe.
Take a look at this section I found on the scefflera aboricola wikipedia page,
Poisoning
Schefflera poisoning is due to the species containing "sharp" calcium oxalate crystals that are insoluble and damage the cells and tissues of the animals ingesting them. Depending on the amount that a pet consumes the resulting damage (swelling) of exposed tissues and digestive tract may be fatal to the animal. Household pets should be kept away from consuming this plant (nibbling) for their own safety as should all children.
Due to the misuse and confusion of the common name "Umbrella Plant" or "Umbrella Tree" this species has been mistakenly included on many internet lists as "safe plants" for reptile keepers. The presence of oxalate crystals is a known issue and consumption can be regarded potentially serious as the calcium oxalate crystals can significantly damage liver and kidneys of the animals ingesting any part of this or related Schefflera species. Symptoms in pets can include: cardiac arrhythmia, diarrhea, vomiting , dilated eyes, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, hoarse barking, labored breathing, loss of appetite numbness of exposed area(s), obstruction of the airway, pawing/rubbing at the face or mouth and the swelling of the tongue and lips.
Does the awfully sensetive chameleon able to break these down?
Your thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
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