Zoo med makes a disinfectant product called wipe out, also 1 part bleach to 10 parts water works well i hear, and natural chemistry makes a really good cleaning product
I've had a hard time cleaning the half log hides as well. The coconuts are even worse I think. No matter how vigorously I clean them they still stink afterwards so I'm probably gonna switch to bowls with holes. That would make it so much easier on cleaning day.
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People gave some really good suggestions. Hope it helps you too.
I soak mine in a diluted bleach solution and then boil them after I rinse just to make sure all the bleach is gone. I only boil them for a few minutes though. I haven't noticed any bad smells with them.
I have baked logs and branches in the oven on a cookie sheet for my frogs. 300 degrees for an hour or so I THINKm google that before you take my advice! Lol.
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Re: how do i disinfect half log hides and branches
Please don't use bleach. It can be very toxic to your snakes and is very difficult to remove completely once it gets absorbed into wood.
Just rinse it really well and bake it in the oven at 250F for an hour (Boiling temp. is 212F and there aren't too many bugs that can survive boiling water).
bleach will break down if the log is left in the sunlight for 12 to 24 hours but I also would not suggest it. personally I'd use a stiff brush (I use a toilet brush just don't get it confused with a regular toilet brush ) and a anti bacterial soap scrub it really well let in sit for 20-30 min for the anti bacterial action to work and then wash it off with super hot water. I then treat with a spray sanitize like chlorahexidine or f10 let it sit for 20 min and then return it to the enclosure.