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Questions about wood...

Kitten0Face

Kitten0Face

New member
I looked around a bit, but wasn't sure I found what I needed...

I finally got a new little buddy, and from observing him I think he'd like the two branches I had used for my last snake... but I haven't put them in yet, because I don't know how to sanitize/disinfect wood that you buy from the store for pet use.

I bought one at a reptile show, and one was for birds that hangs up.

I don't want to out them in there without doing something to them, because I never could find out exactly what was wrong with Nagichi when he passed away, and don't want to risk exposing my new baby to anything.

I know wood can be baked, but I am having a hard time finding out at what temperature and for how long. Also i'm not sure if the one that was in the bird section has some kind of seal on it or not, and if it would be flamable... any help is appreciated!

Since you read all that, here's a picture of Larry!


picture.php
 
It's doubtful anything would survive a bleach solution soak followed by baking, but why take the chance? I would just be too worried! Do they cost too much to just replace them?
 
I'm worried about bleach soaking since it's porous...

I cant remember how much they were, I just thought that baking them would kill anything that happened to be on it.
 
If they fit in a pot of water, use a capful of bleach or vinegar in the water and boil it for about 20 minutes. The rinse for a while with hot water, and if it makes you feel better, re-boil in clean water.

Then put the wood in the oven at about 225-250° for 30 minutes, this should dry them completely, but if you aren't sure leave them in the sun to bake and dry some more.

I have never had to do anything more than the boil and bake with anything, this includes: driftwood (never use fresh cut wood, it can mold or harbor bacteria and won't be dry enough to use for a long time until it is totally dead), soft edged rocks you find, plastic aquarium plants (I get them for cheaps on eBay), any used decorations, sea shells.

If you buy something from the petstore or from a craft store and it is new, I would just wash it with soap in very hot water and rinse well.

I think the secret is to use a bleach or vinegar solution water to boil, and really rinse well.
 
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