understanding safe plants

[fullmonti]

Obviously I'm new to chameleons. I had ask earlier about some plants I couldn't find on any list, not on the "not safe" list either. No one said anything about them. I also ask about using mountain laurel branches, dead branches with no leaves. Couple people said they were not safe plants but didn't or couldn't say why dead branches might be harmful.

So what makes a plant not safe? The only thing I have read or can understand is chameleons some times eat leaves or part of leaves. I can see how that some leaves could be toxic, but is there anything else that make them unsafe? Can some one help me out with the safe plant & dead branch thing?

Jim

 

[deerharvester]

I am not a biologist, nor am i a chemist. But, it is in the chemical make up of the plant/tree. Fl chams has a safe plant list, if it isn't on there don't use it.
You still get a rash off of dead poison ivy right(if you're allergic).....

Scott

 

[fullmonti]

It's easy to say if something is not on some list some where don't use it & that's a good point about dead poison ivy. I was how ever hoping for & ask for some understanding of the process & why things are the way they are, not just blindly follow a list.

 

[MelissaB]

I believe the leaves and seeds are toxic, but not sure if the branches themselves are. I wouldn't use them, just because it wouldn't be worth the risk, when there are so many nontoxic branches available.
There are differing reasons why a particular plant or branch may be undesirable. Eye irritation from certain plants, toxicity when eaten by the chameleon or their feeders, even skin reactions have happened. There was a post from a member that rescued a sick chameleon, covered in pus filled bumps. They believed it was from the plant the previous owner had in the cage. Personally I find it easiest to just go off the list, because it's what's been good for other keepers.

 

[fullmonti]

I kept discus fish for a couple years. It took some time for me to learn all the ways they are way way more sensitive & susceptible to just about every thing, than any other kind of fish. It sounds like chameleons may be some what the same.

Thanks for the info, that helps. I have read many care sheets & articles & I haven't run across any other info about branches being so much of a concern. I'll do a search for a list of safe branches.

thanks
Jim

 

[nick barta]

Jim,

I use various branches from my area, and favor vines like Ivy and grape to create highways at 2-3 levels in the cage, woven in circles horizontally.

The only perceived risk is if the branch was sprayed with a poison, or the chameleon chewing the bark, both being potential hazards.

That being said, be creative, and pick some fun branches.

CHEERS!

Nick

 

[fullmonti]

Yes the mountain laurel branches have really nice shapes & curves. We live out where I know they haven't been sprayed with anything. The grape vines around here are pretty straight & dull & get very big.

I did a search for safe branches & got eight threads. All talked about soaking, washing & baking but other than saying fruit trees are safe most said they use pretty much any branches.

Guess I'll keep looking. Was trying not to have to ship manzanita branches from the other side of the country. I know they would be safe & nice but it's fun to find things in your own area.