Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm thinking that I would like to put some Eucalyptus leaflitter, branches and bark pieces in one of my cages. I would collect it locally, heat treat it, and then use it. Does anyone know if it is okay to use? The cages I have in mind are for some Acanthurus monitors, and maybe some Bearded dragons. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Roy Blodgett
Green Man Herpetoculture
royreptile@yahoo.com

1.1 Drymarchon corais
0.1 Coluber mormon
1.1 Lampropeltis getula californiae (desert phase)
1.0 Boiga dendrophila dendrophila
0.1 Candoia aspera (red phase)
1.1 Uroplatus henkeli
1.1 Corytophanes cristatus
1.1 Varanus acanthurus brachyurus (Mt.Isa)
2.1 Pogona vitticeps (snow and red/gold)
1.0 Iguana iguana

“All men lie enveloped in whale-lines. All are born with halters round their necks; but it is only when caught in the swift, sudden turn of death, that mortals realize the silent, subtle, ever-present perils of life.”- Herman Melville

Eucalyptus oil keeps bugs away, and for snakes, the berries keep mites away beautifully.

I have used eucalyptus branches in a cornsnake enclosure. The branches were fresh-cut when city workers were trimming the many eucalyptus trees near where I live. I put the branches in w/o thinking, and the cage smelled like eucalyptus. The snake was fine and still is, though the smell is long gone of course after years.

I don't know about constant contact with the leaves and bark because of the oil, but then again, eucalyptus oil is safe for puppies and kittens, so I guess the smart thing would be to start with just a few leaves and monitor the animals.
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Mark

That is kind of what I was expecting. Thanks for clarifying this for me, I appreciate it.
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Roy Blodgett
Green Man Herpetoculture
royreptile@yahoo.com

1.1 Drymarchon corais
0.1 Coluber mormon
1.1 Lampropeltis getula californiae (desert phase)
1.0 Boiga dendrophila dendrophila
0.1 Candoia aspera (red phase)
1.1 Uroplatus henkeli
1.1 Corytophanes cristatus
1.1 Varanus acanthurus brachyurus (Mt.Isa)
2.1 Pogona vitticeps (snow and red/gold)
1.0 Iguana iguana

“All men lie enveloped in whale-lines. All are born with halters round their necks; but it is only when caught in the swift, sudden turn of death, that mortals realize the silent, subtle, ever-present perils of life.”- Herman Melville