What type of wood do I use to make branches from?

[Leonchameleon]

So I was talking afternoon walk in the woods by my home, I had the idea that I could use some of those branches for the house. I looked up which tree where safe but before I do anything I wanted to ask you guys, what you guys like to use or do you prefer one over the other? Let me know thank you ?

 

[jamest0o0]

Just don't use any kind of pine and be careful of anything sappy. Otherwise, just grab some branches from outside and throw them in

 

[Carlton]

So I was talking afternoon walk in the woods by my home, I had the idea that I could use some of those branches for the house. I looked up which tree where safe but before I do anything I wanted to ask you guys, what you guys like to use or do you prefer one over the other? Let me know thank you ?

I've often used tree branches from my yards for cham cages. My cages were BIG and no perches or branches that fit them were available in stores. Depends on the tree species and the condition of the branch. You don't want to use green wood of resinous species like spruce, pine or cedar due to the oils. If you cut it green, let the cut and any sap cure and seal. You don't want to use very punky wood as it will just continue to rot faster when wet much of the time. Edible fruits and things like maple, alder, nontoxic hardwoods can be fine but I'd avoid cherries. Lots of cyanide in cherry, though it would probably take a lot of exposure to matter much. Choose a branch that has intact bark so you can give it a good scrub to remove bird poop, fungi, etc. The bark protects the wood underneath, the rougher surface helps trim nails and provides good traction. Hot water and a 1:10 bleach to water solution. Rinse until you don't smell any bleach. Let air dry. No need to fuss with oven baking. I drill small holes close to the ends of the branch, thread light gauge wire through the holes, and attach to the cage frame or through the mesh.

 

[Leonchameleon]

Thank you guys, I’m going to look for some and make sure it’s all clean and fully dry

 

[Leonchameleon]

Just don't use any kind of pine and be careful of anything sappy. Otherwise, just grab some branches from outside and throw them in

I’m sure I got to clean them before

 

[JacksJill]

I prefer oak and maple. Ginko and mulberry have not lasted in my cages.

 

[Leonchameleon]

I prefer oak and maple. Ginko and mulberry have not lasted in my cages.

Would red oak be okay, or the family of oak in general is safe ?

 

[salty dog]

Manzanita are ideal if any grow around your area. I think any oak are ok as long as they are dry, no sap...I use all type of branches, they are dry

 

[jamest0o0]

I’m sure I got to clean them before

I don't, but if it helps people sleep at night, no problems in doing so. I might hose them off, that's about it. Have yet to see a cham die by an unsterilized branch

 

[salty dog]

I wash mine off with a hose, they should be dry though, eliminates sap and shrinking... fresh cut branches shrink when they dry, then you have to keep tightening the zip ties...pain in the ass