Is outside safe for inside?

[Haileybug]

I have a jacksons chameleon I was wounderig if it'd be ok if I went outside to get different sized sticks to put in his cage because I can't seem to find any in the petstores I've thought about the wooden shish kebab sticks but my luck their out I just wanted to have more things available for maxamillion to crawl on

 

[BabyChamCham]

For the outside sticks you would need to bake them to make sure their safe for your cham. The skewers Is a good idea, but I'd make sure it's splinter and water proof. And I would also make sure to either cut or sand down the sharp ends.

 

[Chamifornia]

You can bake but if you get them from a spot you know is pesticide free there is no need. I always wash with soap and water and that's it.

 

[brownie64]

I agree with Chamifornia try not to get them from the ground less chance of bringing unwanted guest in.

 

[Carlton]

For the outside sticks you would need to bake them to make sure their safe for your cham. The skewers Is a good idea, but I'd make sure it's splinter and water proof. And I would also make sure to either cut or sand down the sharp ends.

You don't absolutely need to bake them. I just scrub rotted flaky bark, dirt, sap off them (I use a 10 parts hot water/ 1 part bleach solution and rinse until I can't smell the bleach), let dry well before using them.

 

[Carlton]

I have a jacksons chameleon I was wounderig if it'd be ok if I went outside to get different sized sticks to put in his cage because I can't seem to find any in the petstores I've thought about the wooden shish kebab sticks but my luck their out I just wanted to have more things available for maxamillion to crawl on

Shish kebab sticks aren't a great choice. Chams need branches that have variation in size to help keep their feet healthy. Also, kebab sticks and wooden dowels tend to be made of soft wood that will absorb water and get moldy over time.

 

[TheMusicalCham]

A bug beautiful hibiscus plant will solve all of your plant and climbing needs

 

[RedMountainHome]

My usual disclaimer: I'm a newbie, but I'd like to share my opinion on this topic! I wouldn't feel comfortable throwing any old un-treated stick from outside into my chameleon's cage, though I know that others do and they get along fine. I've heard stories of people taking driftwood from lakes and whatnot, baking them for hours, then putting them into their dart frog enclosures only to find that a colony of ants stayed alive in the center of the wood and attacked their frogs. Plus, I've heard plenty of armchair scientist extolling the dangers of the local bacteria on these outdoor materials that our exotic, captive bred pets have no immunity to. They say the only true way to cleanse materials like these is with an auto-clave.

All that said, I have a live hibiscus that I got from a nursery in my chameleon's cage. I removed all the fertilizers and dirt from the store, washed the plant down heavily, repotted it with fresh fertilizer-free dirt, and THEN covered that top layer of dirt with river stones. I also put him in his outdoor cage as much as I can, and that has a jasmine plant from that same nursery which received the same treatment, right down to covering the dirt with river-stones.

 

[JGuinan007]

I like to get poplar sticks peel the bark off, wash with bleach solution, sun dry and in the oven at 430 for bout an hour. Then voila! Perfect branches for your little Chameleon! ok 430-450 just do not go over 450 bad things will happen

 

[Haileybug]

A bug beautiful hibiscus plant will solve all of your plant and climbing needs

Thank you !