Using sticks/twigs, etc from outside?

[Skittles46]

no. You will be exposing the rodents, and then the snakes to bugs and parasites.

your best bet is to go out and spend 3 bucks on a 8 foot, untreated (preferably not pine) 2 x 4. then cut it into 3 or 4 inch pieces. they last a VERY long time.

Thanks! We didn't even have to spend anything, as the shop my husband works in has scraps and he was able to cut some from them for all that we have right now.