using natural branches found outside?

Hi guys!

I stumbled across this image online:
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/20...ls-d3kqxlg.jpg

and was struck by the use of natural fir tree branches in the enclosure. I love the way those branches look and I feel like they would be great to add a little more security to by BP's cage. But I am wondering how to find branches that are safe, and what procedures I should follow to make sure I am not bringing in any dangerous contamination.

Good question because I've seen sticks outside the perfect size to put in my tubs. Yes, my BPs climb. I've wanted to bake some to kill anything harmful and use them. There is also a substrate that is made using leaf litter and stuff from woods floor but I can't remember the name. But would be interested in more information.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by rb3839

Hi guys!

I stumbled across this image online:
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/20...ls-d3kqxlg.jpg

and was struck by the use of natural fir tree branches in the enclosure. I love the way those branches look and I feel like they would be great to add a little more security to by BP's cage. But I am wondering how to find branches that are safe, and what procedures I should follow to make sure I am not bringing in any dangerous contamination.

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Contamination isn't really an issue. The bigger issue is whether or not the tree in question is harmful in some way. Some can cause contact issues with skin, others present inhalation irritation.

The list is pretty exhaustive. There are some forums in which the use of natural vivaria is discussed in depth. In the short term, you can use a sandblasted grape wood or manzanita.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...9ee74b7000.jpg

We bought a stick and a vine from the pet store, but not sure what the wood is made of. It was pretty expensive though. Ill do a search of the forum to see what I can find. Ours love to climb. It's my juvie boas favorite hang out.


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2 words.... Wood mites...

I've used sticks and leaves in my garter cages. They loved them, I'd bake them at 200-250 to get rid of bugs. Leaves start to smoke after a while, even at that low temp, so you have to keep a close eye on them. Garters loved to "play" in the leaves and loved climbing sticks.

You can also bleach and or boil the wood. For my dart frogs, I did all three because I feared the moist environment would leach things out of the wood. Bleach soak for a few hours, boil for a half hour, let dry overnight, then bake off anything left. The baking was probably overkill, but it wasn't labor or cost intensive, so I figured what the heck...

I have 2 logs I use in my bp cage, and 2 log hides(one side is completely covered on both logs) and a new one I'm gonna cut down for her. I have never had any issues at all.:)

I'd say to soak in in a diluted bleach solution for a while, let it dry and then bake it for a long time and I don't see why it would be bad. Just dont' use the woods that are said to be irritating to snakes. The bleach and baking will get rid of any kind of contaminants or bugs, so that won't be an issue, it'll just be a matter of if the wood itself is safe.

What about large pieces that can't be placed in oven. And what about parts of those fake trees you can get at walmart? http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...7b8d0a1923.jpg


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For large pieces, you can soak them in the bleach solution, rinse, and let the wood bake out in the sun for a couple of days.


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