Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i want to put a stick in my corn's cage, so i got one off of one of the trees at my house. should i do anything to the stick before i put in it with my corn snake?

thanks,
rachel

You'll want to either boil it or bake it to be sure all the woodland nasties are gone. Every little biting bug tends to live in wood, so steralizing it is a good idea. I don't know what temps you'd bake it at or for how long, but someone here knows Boiling does the same, and probably faster, but you'd want to let it dry pretty well before using it.
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Dianne
AKA IcedGoddess
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>>i want to put a stick in my corn's cage, so i got one off of one of the trees at my house. should i do anything to the stick before i put in it with my corn snake?
>>
>>thanks,
>>rachel

I personally use freshly cut limbs (live). I feel that are much less likely to have insects. I have a large yard and there are no pesticides used so I don't really worry about that either.
I have several tanks with limbs freshly cut. I have never had any insects from any of the fresh cut limbs. Of course I know what to look for in a limb. Mainly actual insects and tiny holes that look like pin holes. You also want to inspect the ends when you cut the limb. Make sure there is no sign of rot or any holes in the ends either. Signs of any of these things and you don't use the branch.
If you get a dead limb or branch then you need to put it in boiling water or bake it some how.
I'm sure there will be people who say never never use a limb without boiling or baking it isn't worth the risk.
If you are at all worried or unsure what to look for then be safe as opposed to sorry. Do what it takes to ensure the safety of your snakes and your peace of mind.
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Remember, my posts are MY opinion only.
Jimmy (draybar)

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soap and water......(dish liquid and rinse well)