Laura Leffel
New Member
Hi, getting a new panther chameleon, are outside branches OK? I cleaned them under running water but they won't fit in my oven
Branches from outside
- Thread starter Laura Leffel
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Avid Member
It is a lot of work. I live near the beach so I get driftwood
jpowell86
Chameleon Enthusiast
18 years of keeping chameleons and I have never treated a branch prior to using.
The biggest key is in the picking. Don't use branches that have obviously been on the ground for a long time. Don't use branches covered in bird feces and other nasty bits. I prefer to cut mine fresh. That is the easiest method. Just stick with branches from oak, fruit, etc. Nothing that saps heavily.
You washing the branches off under water is totally fine. But bleaching, debarking, etc.....a complete waste of time IMO.
The biggest key is in the picking. Don't use branches that have obviously been on the ground for a long time. Don't use branches covered in bird feces and other nasty bits. I prefer to cut mine fresh. That is the easiest method. Just stick with branches from oak, fruit, etc. Nothing that saps heavily.
You washing the branches off under water is totally fine. But bleaching, debarking, etc.....a complete waste of time IMO.
camogirl69
New Member
I think it is good to bake them. It kills all the pests and parisites. Try to find thin and thick branches that fit in your oven. If you find a branch you like just cut it to fit and that should work.
WAMBO
Chameleon Enthusiast
That's the look [driftwood] that I was trying to get, by removing the bark. Some of the bark flaked off and some liquified by bleaching and soaking/rinsing in water. But it was a pain in the butt and I cut myself a few times with the knife. Now I buy bamboo stakes at Home Depot.
Laura Leffel
New Member
That's what I thought.. The lady at Petco said there can be mites?
Zen Reptiles
Avid Member
Mites will be a problem if you are using a branch........from Africa.
So many mites and parasites are host specific, from the regions of origin. Arbutus, willow, oak......there are many you can use untreated. A simple hose down outside is fine, and leave them to sit for a few days in the sun....you'll be fine.
So many mites and parasites are host specific, from the regions of origin. Arbutus, willow, oak......there are many you can use untreated. A simple hose down outside is fine, and leave them to sit for a few days in the sun....you'll be fine.
Laura Leffel
New Member
Haven't been to Africa lately lol. They are from my maple tree in my front yard. Thanks for your input!
Chachi
Established Member
Watch out for splinters. Our first cham died from a splinter in his tongue.
Ineedtosell
New Member
I just run it over hot water in the shower
