Myth 79: “Natural Branches Need to Be Treated”
In the realm of naturalistic chameleon husbandry, the interior of the enclosure must reflect the biome it seeks to emulate. Natural branches—alongside living plants—are the only suitable climbing structures. Artificial substitutes such as ropes, fabrics, plastics, fake vines, exposed lumber, bamboo, ladders, or swings are categorically unsuitable. They violate both anatomical logic and ecological fidelity.
To serve their purpose, branches must remain as nature made them. That means:
NO THERMAL TREATMENT
No cooking. No hot water. No microwave. No oven. No flame. Thermal processing destroys the wood's internal structure and annihilates its natural antibacterial properties. It is not just unnecessary—it is counterproductive. Useless.
NO CHEMICAL TREATMENT
No bleach. No pesticides. No synthetic agents. Chemical residues never fully evaporate. They leach into the cage environment, posing chronic toxicity risks. Harmful.
NO MECHANICAL TREATMENT
No peeling. No brushing. No sanding. Such interventions strip away the bark and compromise the tactile surface chameleons rely on for grip and locomotion. Uncomfortable.
The misbeliefs
Why do people insist on treating branches? Out of fear—of pollution (pesticides, lead, fumes), contamination (sap, gum, toxins), and pests (insects, ants, termites, scorpions). The solution is not sterilization. It is selection:
Source branches from clean, pesticide-free environments.
Avoid conifers, poison ivy, euphorbiaceae, Brazilian pepper-tree, and other toxic species.
Inspect for ants, termites, and scorpions. If harmless critters appear later, rejoice—they'll be eaten.
So what should you do? Take it easy.
Choose young or recently dead, thin branches.
Remove leaves and loose debris.
Rinse with cold water. Let dry.
That's it.
No flames. No bleach. No paranoia. Just nature—clean, simple, and ready to climb.