Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering, what types of things are generally not a good idea to decorate your vivarium/tank with? I currently have repti-bark and a fake jungle plant in mine. Would it be alright to cut some small branches from a tree outside to place in the tank for my baby corn to play/climb on?

Better if you bought some, less chance of bringing in bugs from outside (it has happened to me). Also, make sure that any branches you use are very securely mounted. I had a gorgeous albino black rat that broke his back under a loose branch, and the injury eventually did kill him. I mourn his loss to this day. So be careful.

--Naamah

i use branches from outside in my vivariums!

just make sure there is nothing on them b4 you introduce them into the viv, i find pouring a kettle ov boiling water over the branches kills anything that may be living on them!!

Thanks for the tips. I'll try that.

I do use outside branches, but here's what I do. First, I bleach them. I use a mild bleach mixture, but it'll kill off anything that's not seen. After it's rinsed off really good, I bake the branch at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. That pretty much takes care of anything else in the piece of wood. After it's cooled, then it's ready for a snake cage. Just remember to have a REALLY secure lid. The more stuff that'll let a corn get to the top of the cage, the better chance they have of finding an opening. I actually had two corn snakes learn how to open critter cages! I now make my own cages, corn snake proof!

AJ

Although I do not add stuff from outside into my terrarium, I would go with the bleach/bake routine recommended in the prior post. You could also nuke pure wood (no metals) on high for 5 - 10 minutes. That should have the same effect as baking at high temperartures with the added effect of irradiating any nasty critters on the branches. My young corns seem extremely content climbing in the plastic trees I picked up at the pet store, so you may decide to forego this whole process and shell out the ten or twenty bucks. Just make sure that it's got a good sturdy base.
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Mick
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1.0 Amel (Floyd)
1.0 Ghost (Gabriel)
0.1 Lab/Pointer Mix (Zoey)

>>One thing I like to do when I use branches from outdoors is cut live branches. Much less chance of bugs. I check them over very closely and mount them on a base board if neccessary.
Never had a problem yet.
I never use any branches I find laying on the ground. Never know what might be hiding in them.
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Remember, my posts are MY opinion only.
Jimmy (draybar)