Apple wood for BP climbing

[ThinkSta]

Hi All,

I'd like to add some small branches to my BP's tank for interest and to provide new climbing opportunities (beyond cork bark). I have some lovely old wriggly apple trees in the garden, and was wondering if anyone would have concerns about using apple wood?

Cheers!

[sIeepymoon]

I reckon that it wouldn't be too dangerous as long as you sterilise it good enough and make sure that there aren't any leaves or fruit on it. And, do make sure that the apple tree hasn't been sprayed with any chemicals.

I'm no expert with this sort of subject, but I have tried to use hardwood as decor before and it turned out to be pretty aokay, and it hasn't harmed my snake.

[Zincubus]

I reckon that it wouldn't be too dangerous as long as you sterilise it good enough and make sure that there aren't any leaves or fruit on it. And, do make sure that the apple tree hasn't been sprayed with any chemicals.

I'm no expert with this sort of subject, but I have tried to use hardwood as decor before and it turned out to be pretty aokay, and it hasn't harmed my snake.

Same ^

I measure and cut the branches to length and then secure them in place with a hot glue gun ..


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[Crowfingers]

I would say you'd be fine. Just make sure you get good branches without obvious mold / mildew / insect infestations (ants in particular like to live under apple bark and you defiantly don't want those in your tank). I've used oak, sycamore root, and driftwood with good success.

To treat I submerge the branches in a bucket or the tub in they are too big and poor boiling water over it until its fully covered (which can take a while for big pieces). Once the water has cooled enough to touch comfortably i scrub the branch with a toilet brush to get any moss, grime, dead bits of bark off. Then, depending on the wood, I drain the tub and refill with cold water that I add bleach to a dilution of 1/2 to 1 cup per 10 gal. I let it soak for a hour or so, then rinse in HOT water - as hot as I can get it. Hot water breaks down bleach faster. I do this 3 or 4 times which usually takes 8ish hours as I let the water cool in between. Once I can't detect any hint of bleach I put the wood out in the sun on my porch (not back on the ground). I let it rest in the sun for a week or two making sure I bring it in if there is going to be rain or dew. I also monitor for mold during this time. *IF* the wood survives this treatment without falling apart is should be good to go.

I usually find 3 or 4 pieces of driftwood in the spring after snowmelt / rain has created one or two floods, then treat everything. I store what I don't use in the closet and switch out pieces when I feel like it.

Also, if this is something you don't want to deal with - reptile expos often have "java wood" logs and branches for sale. These I boil and let dry for 3 to 7 days in front of a fan but don't bleach. It is a dense wood that is fairly mold resistant if not totally submerged and left in heat over and over.


****DO NOT USE ANY EVERGREEN TREE - PINE< CEDAR<MAGNOLIA these can be toxic. also maple is very sappy so I avoid it****

[ThinkSta]

Thanks for the advice people - much appreciated!