Advice needed.

[Skink Keeper]

I also posted this in the enclosure forum because i didnt know where to put it. I collected some branches and logs from outside and i was just wondering the best way to sanitize them? any advice would be of great help. thanks.

[Pia]

One method is, if the piece is small enough, rinse/scrub off any debris with plain water then boil it for at least half an hour then let dry completely. Another way is to soak the wood for a day in a 10% bleach solution, rinse thoroughly and dry completely. If you can still smell bleach keep rinsing until you can't. As a precaution, I rinse well then let it soak for a couple of hours in water with a declorinator in it. You can get it at any fish store. I have used both of these methods and never had any problems. Hope this helps.

[lilyskip]

i've also heard that you can stick it on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 for about an hour, you just have to be careful that it doesn't catch on fire. I use the bleach solution, then rinse with salt water to neutralize the bleach.

[LISA127]

i have used things from outside. I bake them in the overn, but not at 350. That high of a temp would scare me. What I do is wrap the rock/branch in foil and bake in the oven for an hour at about 200.

[Grant vg]

Lisa, with a little bit of salt and pepper and perhaps a sprinkle of oregano and rosemarry, i could have that log tasting like roast in no time!!!

But yea, i used to do it at 350 degrees for atleast a 1/2 hour to an hour.
just keep a close watch on it skink keeper and it will be fine at that temp.

[tai_pan1]

I've used the oven at 250 degrees for at least 2 hours.