New enclosure, Wondering if a mimosa tree branch is safe.

[Paylo]

We recently upgraded our BP's enclosures and we are looking for branches to use for them to climb. We have a mimosa tree(Persian Silk) in our yard and was wondering if properly cleaned(hot rinse and baking in foil) if it would be harmful to our BP. I haven't been able to find much info online. Thanks ahead of time!

[Capray]

Any branches are fine as long as it's properly cleaned and free of sharp points or crevices that your snake could get stuck in.

[Paylo]

Awesome! thanks for the quick reply! I know some pine trees and such can harm them, just wanted to make sure they would be okay!

[Alexandra V]

I agree! I would personally just avoid the oilier woods like cedar and pine, but otherwise any branch is safe as long as you're sure it's clean. As was said above, strip it of the bark and sharp edges, and I would suggest baking it in your oven to make sure you aren't bringing any bugs or other unpleasant things into the enclosure.

[kitedemon]

My woodworkers book states mimosa (silk tree?) as having toxic wood and seeds. (seeds are rated VERY toxic) it is hard to make generalized statements and there are a huge number of plants in the family but with out precise identification I would avoid woods that could be toxic.

Not a reliable source but here is a variation of what I have in a reference book.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5961861_to...mosa-tree.html

[kitedemon]

Ok here is a better source...

http://www.plantbio.uga.edu/PPG/Plan...ulibrissin.htm