Sterilising branches

[pythonmum]

We have collected some branches from the local bush to decorate the snake enclosure. My sterilisation procedure is:
1. Soak for at least 3 hours in water with a generous amount of pool chlorine (in a big rubbish bin).
2. After removing from bin, steam for at least 24 hours in black plastic rubbish bags in the sun (on a paved area).
3. Rinse, then dry in bright sun on top of clothesline (less chance of crawlers accessing the area).
4. Wait a week, then place in snake cage.

I collected the branches today and they are soaking in the chlonine water at the moment. I think this should allow enough time for the chlorine to kill anything in the branches and then to dissipate during the rinse, drying and waiting period. Does anyone have helpful additions to the procedure? In the past (smaller branches) I have used a similar procedure and never seen a bug or bit of mould.

[Fester]

Gully Reptiles here in Adelaide recommend spraying with metho. Nigel says it will kill everything. Leave for an hour or so then hose off.

[peterjohnson64]

I just put mine in boiling water. Can be hard with really big branches. Funny thing though - lots of my animals live outside with all those nasty bugs anyway. But they still seems to do OK. dunno why.

[pythonmum]

I've got a really big branched log and sticks up to 1 metre long to put in 2 Bredl enclosures, so nothing in my house would be big enough for boiling. I thought about metho, but didn't think it would penetrate the bark (only log has bark). It's great for use on ceramics and rocks, however.

[Vicmorrow]

Not sure what effect hose chemicals have on colour etc.
But if it loses colour after treating, you could do what I do with a lot of old bamboo and put a coat of sealer on the branch, then some acrylic stain, comes up a treat, doesn't soak up any faeces and easy to clean.
hope this helps

[Ramsayi]

sterilising branches eh? Guess if you wanted to take them into an operating theatre it would be a good idea.

[Chris1]

i soak mine in the bath tub in hot tap water, if anything survives that it deserves to live!!

[Chimera]

Originally Posted by peterjohnson64

I just put mine in boiling water. Can be hard with really big branches. Funny thing though - lots of my animals live outside with all those nasty bugs anyway. But they still seems to do OK. dunno why.

I'll generally boil the kettle and pour it over the branches, it's fun finding new ways to burn yourself

[Miss Morph-lette]

I've only treated a small bit of wood (it's such an awesome hide!) so I put it in the oven at 180 for 5-10 minutes... now it's got a nice chargrilled look

(and it smells awesome too... basting it with lamb juices was a geat idea )

[nickamon]

Originally Posted by Chris1

i soak mine in the bath tub in hot tap water, if anything survives that it deserves to live!!

Same here.

[dazza74]

i put my big branches in the bath with hot water and bleach for a couple of hours and then rinse in shower under hot water again then leave outside to dry for a week never had a problem this way hope this helps

[lump_a_charcoal]

I stripped all the bark off the branch with a knife, then applied boiling water to them.

[jay76]

I just soak the branches in the spar for 24 hours. I ****** of the misses but she gets over it. Anything that can breath underwater for 24 hours is doing ok.

[della91]

If they are big put in a hot bath and add viniga... works a treat!

[Jen]

i baked mine, worked a treat
Don't try it with bamboo tho!