Using wood in tank

[Aanayab1]

Dead grapefruit tree in my yard has branches that would be awesome in an enclosure. My friend Chris has bearded dragons and is interested in the branches. Problem we have come across is he said dragons can not be around/eat citrus or it will kill them. I confirmed the eating of fruit thing but can not find info on the use of dried dead wood. Tree has been dead at least 5 years says the previous home owner. Thanks for any input.

[Mikoh4792]

If it has no fruit on it what's the problem?

[murrindindi]

Hi, the wood should be perfectly safe to use in the dragon`s enclosure.

[slowhite03]

If it will fit in your oven, just put it in at 275-300 for about an hour or two and that will kill anything harmful in it

[murrindindi]

Hi, I doubt there will be anything harmful if the tree`s been dead for several years, though you can always rinse with a diluted bleach solution; 10 parts water to 1 (one) part bleach, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Obviously this method works for relatively large branches/logs that won`t fit in an oven.
If you put a branch in an oven at 300f for two hours it will be well and truly cooked, possibly to a cinder (well almost)) ! :)

[Aanayab1]

Thank you all foe the help.

[Starbuck]

i think the worry would be over oils etc in the wood, rather than bacteria; but i agree that after 5 years of being well and truly dead, it should be fine to put in the enclosure. As long as your beardie isn't eating the branches, heh heh ;P