Cherry Wood in Cham's Cage?

[LittleVeiledExplorer]

So I figure the title to this thread is pretty self explanatory, but I was wondering if cherry wood was toxic to chameleons. I have two cherry trees in my backyard and recently I rediscovered a bunch of branches that my dad had cut off of them last summer. They look really clean (no bugs or rot) and are still relatively fresh (if that makes sense). If the wood isn't toxic, are there any other precautions I need to take before putting it in my cham's cage? I've seen some debate about washing/baking but I figured I could get some opinions about if that was necessary or not. Thanks!

 

[Matt Vanilla Gorilla]

Totally safe if you prep it first by washing and baking dry in the oven as described elsehere in the forums.

 

[JacksJill]

I don't remember wether cherry bark is toxic or not. Some stone fruit trees do have toxic bark.

If your branches were stored where wild reptiles roam then I would disinfect them and bake them to remove the possibility of parasite eggs or harmful bacteria.

 

[jamest0o0]

No disrespect to the above, but I find cleaning branches to be a giant waste of time. If it helps you sleep, by all means go for it, but I have yet to see anyone ever have the slightest issue from an uncleaned branch. I throw them right in, some have springtails on them already munching on fungus and such, adds great biodiversity. I disagree on the whole sterile environment thing, use common sense, but IMO it's overblown. That said, who am I? Just a keeper that has methods that has worked for him and knows others that have done the same. I have no research to back up what I say and obviously baking/cleaning won't hurt things.

 

[LittleVeiledExplorer]

From what I've seen, cherry is not on the "toxic wood list." I just thought I'd ask in case any experienced keepers knew any other information. As far as I know not to many reptiles live in my area, but I think I might just spray it down with diluted bleach and water just to be safe. It is definitely too big to be baked though I might be able to put it out in the sun for a while. Do I need to worry about sharp edges or anything like that?

 

[JacksJill]

I don't sand mine down or anything. I do cut off any unwanted branches flush with the main branch.

 

[Crashbandit05]

No disrespect to the above, but I find cleaning branches to be a giant waste of time. If it helps you sleep, by all means go for it, but I have yet to see anyone ever have the slightest issue from an uncleaned branch. I throw them right in, some have springtails on them already munching on fungus and such, adds great biodiversity. I disagree on the whole sterile environment thing, use common sense, but IMO it's overblown. That said, who am I? Just a keeper that has methods that has worked for him and knows others that have done the same. I have no research to back up what I say and obviously baking/cleaning won't hurt things.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Plus I like the natural look of branches with bark, moss, lichen, etc.

 

[Carlton]

Unless your cham likes to chew on wood, cherry shouldn't be a problem. SOME cherry varieties have a higher concentration of cyanide than others (don't eat the pits ). Cured cherry lumber should be fine. Definitely seal it to protect from moisture!

 

[Matt Vanilla Gorilla]

No disrespect to the above, but I find cleaning branches to be a giant waste of time. If it helps you sleep, by all means go for it, but I have yet to see anyone ever have the slightest issue from an uncleaned branch. I throw them right in, some have springtails on them already munching on fungus and such, adds great biodiversity. I disagree on the whole sterile environment thing, use common sense, but IMO it's overblown. That said, who am I? Just a keeper that has methods that has worked for him and knows others that have done the same. I have no research to back up what I say and obviously baking/cleaning won't hurt things.

Interesting angle. No one sterilize branches for them in nature! In South Africa I have seen chameleons eat every bug that we mention here not to feed to our chameleons without any ill affects (poisonous spiders, bees, wasps etc....). Makes me wonder......!

 

[JacksJill]

I see the difference as what they eat and are exposed to in their native range they have adapted to over time. Exposing them to north american or european nasties can have consequences we don't fully understand and can not weigh the benefit to risk ratio.
The other factor is life expectancy is not as long in the wild as it is captivity with quality husbandry. In nature they are in trees that get natural sunlight that can have a disinfectant component in the UV light. Our cages trap and concentrate parasites and bacteria. I understand that bio-actives do address this with their cleaning crews but for the average keeper that is not the case.
Until I can accurately reproduce all that nature has to offer I plan on erring on the side of caution. I completely understand if others do things differently. Just offering what works for me and my reasoning.