Cut Branches?

[aaron_cg]

I remember reading some thing about putting tree limbs in a viv. I was wondering how that is done safely, specifically with a mountain horned lizard??

Any help is much appreciated!

[Terranaut]

Don't drop it on your lizard while putting it in :)

[Sublimeballs]

Don't drop it on your lizard while putting it in :)

Made me laugh.

What aspect are you asking about on this topic?

No cedar or pine!

[aaron_cg]

Haha, definitely wont do that. I am looking to add something so they can climb on. The guy I rescued them from had some aquarium plants in them, but they don't stand up. I'm looking for something I could use in the mean time, but just curious what I could use. I read something about baking the wood makes it safe for them. Any word on that?

[Terranaut]

I have never baked anything I have put in my enclosure. I just cut it and put it in. Obviously if there are bugs climbing out of it you may wish to get another branch. Otherwise just toss it in and make sure it's safe wood and thats it.

[SSSSnakes]

I have never baked anything I have put in my enclosure. I just cut it and put it in. Obviously if there are bugs climbing out of it you may wish to get another branch. Otherwise just toss it in and make sure it's safe wood and thats it.

I agree. I have used branches and never baked anything and never had a problem.

[UwabamiReptiles]

I agree. I have used branches and never baked anything and never had a problem.

Same here. The most i've done is rinse them with water and sometimes i'll scrub them to get some of the dirt and debris off. Just like mentioned earlier, just don't use cedar or pine. I' ve never had any issue branches from outside.

[aaron_cg]

Awesome, just cut some down from a bush growing and put them in. Thanks for the help guys

[Sublimeballs]

Same here, never baked any branches that have gone in a cage. As long as there's no fungus or anything, and its a safe wood it should be fine.

Edit: I hate the delay I get on my iPhone, two post popped up when I hit submit.

[IW17]

The only thing I would add is if the branches used are freshly cut watch for any type of sap secretions

[Toggsy]

For securing branches if it's a enclosure made from wood,mdf or chipboard I use a hook and eye.
One screwed into the branch and the one into the viv to stop them toppling over on to the occupants.
If it's a glass based enclosure I use a blob of silicone to secure in place the. It's allowed to dry and cure.

My personal preference with my branches is I like to debark them then lightly sanded down and then coat them in polyurethane varnish I just find it's easier to clean them if they are varnished especially when they have been pooed on, a damp cloth and it just wipes off.
Also if there is any sap the varnish seals the sap in

[MKeim1989]

I've read that freezing them kills off anything living inside the wood of the branch, which makes sence. That's what you're supposed to do with grain you're going to feed to meal worms too.

Seems safer than baking to me, but I wouldn't know for sure.

[Pirarucu]

Cut branch, put branch in cage. Done.

[SSSSnakes]

Cut branch, put branch in cage. Done.
Thank you. You can see if there are any bugs on a cut branch. And where are you guys finding all these branches that are full of bugs?

[Sublimeballs]

The woods behind termites-r-us, of coarse.

[MKeim1989]

I haven't necessarily found any with bugs. I just read somewhere that freezing is the best way to kill them if the branch is full of bugs :p

[Terranaut]

If your cut branches are full of bugs you may wish to let your local government know. Where I live, the city looks after the trees and will cut and burn any with invader species like the asian ash bore. Other than ants I have yet to see an infested branch.

[Tsubaki]

In this country if you cut of a tree's branches, and anyone sees them or you call the government you get arrested for destroying public property :D