moss/growth on tree branches, pics, safe?
moss/growth on tree branches, pics, safe?
We had a big storm yesterday so today I went out to harvest fallen oak branches for climbing and eating. Our crabs love hanging out on these branches and strip them clean of bark to boot! Usually I put these in a 200F oven for two hours to sterilize. But today I'm noticing more moss/growth/mold (I'm not sure which!) on the branches than usual and am wondering if it's safe for the crabs? Should I scrub it off before baking it, or will baking take care of anything harmful?
Here's what I would consider typical and "normal" for our oak branches (click any photo for larger images):
Here are examples of what I'm seeing today. First branch is nearly all WHITE, which seems odd so it bothers me more than the green stuff.
What do you think? Thanks!
Here's what I would consider typical and "normal" for our oak branches (click any photo for larger images):
Here are examples of what I'm seeing today. First branch is nearly all WHITE, which seems odd so it bothers me more than the green stuff.
What do you think? Thanks!
-
- Posts: 285
- Joined: Tue Aug 04, 2015 12:31 pm
Re: moss/growth on tree branches, pics, safe?
I would find a cleaner stick to be safe but i might be wrong.
owner of 10 happy hermies! tiny micro, arora small, problem small, romeo small, Juliet small, berry small, mars medium, katniss medium, lucky large, and the big head honcho hugo:) :) RIP shy Check out my youtube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW91Ko ... s84MrO0zog
-
- Posts: 269
- Joined: Fri Feb 26, 2016 8:00 am
Re: moss/growth on tree branches, pics, safe?
Maybe you could bake it for 2 hrs in the oven at a low temp like 250 to sterilize it. I can't imagine a hermie's never seen a moss covered piece of wood.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530A using Tapatalk
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530A using Tapatalk
-
- Tech Support
- Posts: 10573
- Joined: Thu Oct 01, 2009 8:49 am
- Location: Leetonia, Ohio
- Contact:
Re: moss/growth on tree branches, pics, safe?
It's actually lichen. I've used it in terrarium tanks and it dies quickly due to lack of strong sunlight. I'd recommend wearing a sturdy pair of thick gardening gloves and rubbing it off. A tight twisting motion will pop it off easy. Then rinse well and use a plastic scrubby pad to finish up the cleaning.
Want to see all my crazy pets? @waywardwaifs on Instagram
Re: moss/growth on tree branches, pics, safe?
Yay for identification! Is the white stuff due to lichen, too? I gotta try a different store for gardening gloves, Lowe's only carries the kind that are dipped in nitrile(?), the rubber like coating. Can't believe how hard it is to find plain canvas gloves anymore!wodesorel wrote:It's actually lichen. I've used it in terrarium tanks and it dies quickly due to lack of strong sunlight. I'd recommend wearing a sturdy pair of thick gardening gloves and rubbing it off. A tight twisting motion will pop it off easy. Then rinse well and use a plastic scrubby pad to finish up the cleaning.
-
- Tech Support
- Posts: 10573
- Joined: Thu Oct 01, 2009 8:49 am
- Location: Leetonia, Ohio
- Contact:
Re: moss/growth on tree branches, pics, safe?
Yes, it can be grey, green, or white. Lichen is flat, circular and a little flakey, like paper.
Try looking where they have the work gloves - my last few pairs of garden gloves have been for welding and construction and have been wonderful.
Try looking where they have the work gloves - my last few pairs of garden gloves have been for welding and construction and have been wonderful.
Want to see all my crazy pets? @waywardwaifs on Instagram
-
- Posts: 285
- Joined: Tue Aug 04, 2015 12:31 pm
Re: moss/growth on tree branches, pics, safe?
that is good to know about lichen!
owner of 10 happy hermies! tiny micro, arora small, problem small, romeo small, Juliet small, berry small, mars medium, katniss medium, lucky large, and the big head honcho hugo:) :) RIP shy Check out my youtube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW91Ko ... s84MrO0zog
-
- Posts: 269
- Joined: Fri Feb 26, 2016 8:00 am
Re: moss/growth on tree branches, pics, safe?
Should I clean these?
Back of package
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530A using Tapatalk
Back of package
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530A using Tapatalk
Re: moss/growth on tree branches, pics, safe?
I've never seen those; interesting! Does it say anywhere what type of branches they are?
-
- Posts: 269
- Joined: Fri Feb 26, 2016 8:00 am
Re: moss/growth on tree branches, pics, safe?
Nope, just what's in the pic. I got them at Petco. It says Imagitarium which I think is the brand. Then it says Creature Comforts and Mossy Branches. I think they are meant for terrariums. I wasn't sure about the "moss" so I soaked the branches in SW made from Instant Ocean and dechlorinated water overnight. Then I baked them in the oven. The moss had dried and started to flake off so I just rubbed the rest off and wrapped each branch with some of the same moss I use for the hermies moss pitt, also purchased at petco, with fish net and now each (there are 6) retains moisture and boosts my humidity. It's spagnum moss. Awesome. They look like mini mossy logs lol.
Is there a way to identify branches? Maybe I'll check petco.com
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530A using Tapatalk
Is there a way to identify branches? Maybe I'll check petco.com
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530A using Tapatalk
Last edited by AleyedtoBuggie on Tue Apr 19, 2016 12:10 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
- Posts: 269
- Joined: Fri Feb 26, 2016 8:00 am
Re: moss/growth on tree branches, pics, safe?
It does not say online sigh.
https://m.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/ ... d-branches
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530A using Tapatalk
https://m.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/ ... d-branches
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530A using Tapatalk