How can I clean branches from outside?

[dominicthechameleon]

How can I clean branches from outside? I collected some branches from a tree (A Japanese Maple Tree) and I removed the leaves. I thought that maybe the sticks would turn into fire if I put them in the oven.

How can I clean this to put in the chameleon cage? Can I put it in hot boiling water to steralize it?

 

[hpc1979]

Branches

You can remove all the bark, then bake them for about 30min - 45min @ 350. I've done it plenty of time. Or if you are still not comfortable, soak them in bleach, then rinse multiple times with fresh water.

 

[ibdragons]

Since the chams cost$ I don't even risk it I buy vines made for them u just never know .

 

[SpartyTessy]

If you are afraid to use bleach due to how strong it is you can use Distilled white vinegar. What you do is spray on the vinegar, scrub them down and then make sure to rinse them off really good. Then they are good to go in the cage. I will be using GSE(Grape Seed Extract) as that stuff kills more germs than even bleach and is totally safe for them to even ingest.

You can read about GSE here. http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww26eiii.htm

 

[dominicthechameleon]

Thanks

Thanks Man.

 

[dominicthechameleon]

If you are afraid to use bleach due to how strong it is you can use Distilled white vinegar. What you do is spray on the vinegar, scrub them down and then make sure to rinse them off really good. Then they are good to go in the cage. I will be using GSE(Grape Seed Extract) as that stuff kills more germs than even bleach and is totally safe for them to even ingest.

You can read about GSE here. http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww26eiii.htm

Thanks

 

[Swayne8998]

Yeah really only two options here... soak with bleach then bake for anywhere from 250 degrees for 45 mins or 300 for 30, or vise versa. Make sure you wash off the bleach really good

 

[kokom05lb]

When I picked up the branches with I first did my cages they were freshly cut. I took the bark off, threw them in the back of the truck and let them dry out for 2-3 days then I scrabbed them with bleach/water and let them set for 2-3 more days. I live in El Paso TX at that time it was in April and already reaching 90 degrees.

 

[Olimpia]

I don't do anything to the branches I cut from outside. If you use live branches, they are less likely to have bugs and things living under the bark. If you notice, it's much harder to peel the bark from live branches than dead branches, so it's also harder for most things like ants or spiders to set up residence in decaying wood. Not everything, of course, but I haven't found a bug in a branch I've cut yet.

I will just hose them down to remove anything superficial like bird poop or dirt and put them into the cage. I've been doing this for a couple years and no problems to speak of, except having ridiculously good looking branches in my cages

 

[romulan]

I used a coarse sponge and soap on some oak tree branches. Removed the bark but they still provide perfect grip for my cham. Have had them in the cage for one month now with no health issues arising.