Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering where do I get climbing branches for my cage, other than those artifical ones you can pick up in a pet shop? those are too expensive for me, but if that's it then that's what i'll get. It seems i've seen pictures of peoples tanks that have live plants with leaves and such in them, and I was just wondering how should this be accomplished? Also, could I go cut some limbs off a tree in the backyard, soak in bleach overnight....would that make it safe to be in with the tank?

I think they're going sir crazy......

Thanks
Chris
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The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -Unknown

The bleach idea is good, but be sure that the branch airs out for a few days till all the bleach smell is gone.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

i've also heard that vinegar/water is a preferred solution because the acidity will kill the parasites and such, but not be as harsh. i know bleach will though, lol.
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The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -Unknown

Yes vinegar and water works well and is not as harsh as bleach is but you still need to let it dry out and what not. Vinegar and water also shines glass up real good..LOL

Hey don't forget....the extra can be fermented into "Hard Cider"

(lol)

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

What I've always done is simply go out into the woods and find cool-looking branches (many with lots of bark still on), and when I get them home I spray all visible surfaces with a heavy dousing of Provent-A-Mite which so far has been able to kill any bugs present. You can get Provent-A-Mite at:

www.pro-products.com

Bleach is a good idea in theory but what happens when you immerse something dirty in a bleach solution (4 oz. per gallon is the recommended USDA ratio for disinfecting), is the bleach is essentially overpowered and pretty much instantly loses its disinfecting power. You could maybe go with a higher concentration but then you've got greater issues about whether you're going to be able to effectively rinse away all residue. You're essentially wanting to clean the branch to elminate parasites or other creepy crawlies which are all for the most part arthropod in nature - the Provent-A-Mite will take care of them.
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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

If you have a wooden cage, I like the wooden coat hanger poles. Only a few bucks at lowes or home depot. I just cut them the lenth of the cage and put a screw through the outside on each end.

i never thought of that! they're in a glass tank right now (i'm working on building a wooden one though) i'll pick up some dowels at home depot after work tonight. Thanks!
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The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -Unknown

Battling ignorance one stupid person at a time.

Current snakes:
1) Female Licorice Stick Black Ratsnake - Lola
2) Neonate Black Rat Snake (Het for Lic Stk's) - Frankie

Soon to arrive:
1) Male/Female Bairdi pair!!!! (Need name ideas)