No sealing should be necessary. I've used dozens of branches collected out in the woods in my cages for years. The only thing I've ever done is treat them with a spraying of Provent-a-Mite to kill off any wood-boring insects or other arthropods that might be hitching a ride. To date I've never had snakes get mites or seen any other insects within my cages as a result of using 'wild' branches. As for Manzanita, it's one of the more durable and pest resistant woods you can use in a cage. That's why it's such a favorite of the bird crowd. Also, Manzanita will age over the years and take on interesting weathering characteristics, particularly if you leave it out in the sun for a few weeks now and then, say after doing major cage cleanings. I'd skip the sealants, that's simply more trouble than it's worth and again, it's really not necessary.
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Matt Campbell

Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House

Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois



Assistant Curator

Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

Lake Forest, Illinois

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