Leaves as substrate

[cdlc92]

I had seen some setups using leaves as a substrate. I was wondering what thoughts are about using leaves as a substrate. How would you steralize it to make it safe? Also are there any leaves that are toxic to snakes or other reptiles.

Thanks

[liquid-leaf]

I'm sure there are some kinds of leaves that are toxic. How you would distinguish them, I'm not sure (of course, pine needles would need to be avoided). You'd have to be certain of the type of tree the leaves came from before using them (I think MOST american hardwoods would be safe, like maple and oak, but there might even be hardwoods that are toxic, I just don't know enough about all the types).

As far as sterilization - it seems like it would be very difficult to sterilize leaves without ruining them or making them soggy, or risking a fire. Most people bake sticks in the oven, but I know I wouldn't want to do that with leaves because they are so thin and tend to be dry (I use dry leaves as kindling!). Another option that wouldn't ruin them might be to freeze them for a while.

But I don't know that leaves would make a good substrate on their own... leaves do not absorb liquid well. If you used only leaves as substrate, it would be a pain to clean up. However, if you just planned to sprinkle a few leaves on another type of substrate, like cypress mulch, it might make a nice decoration.

[telefrag]

about the best way to sterilize that I can think of is some type of UV hot box..
put them in some type of container that will not filter UV and set them in the sun, let the heat and UV kill all the icky.

aside from that, you would probably want to feed in a different container, and maybe put the snake in a tub of water once a week to get him to poo outside the cage...

leaves make a pretty cool substrate for a natural cage... some people who keep coral snakes and other fossorial species use leaves pretty regularly I suspect.