Leaf litter

[VukSRB]

Hi guys!
I've just collected a ton of fallen leaves from different tree types because I am going to rehouse 10 of my Ts. Question is should I bake them in the oven(and on what temp. and how long) because some are still moist and maybe contain some micro life in them? Or another alternative?

 

[Smotzer]

Where did you collect them from? Deep in the woods, residential area?

Edit: I ask in reference to possibly being sprayed with pesticides.

 

[Matt Man]

just sun dry and then toss in the freezer. Freezing will kill anything without the leaves burning. Baking leaves to me sounds like a fire hazard. Last, you don't need much furniture / litter in your enclosures. People tend to over dress the enclosure and leave less room for the T to move. Sometimes less, produces more

 

[VukSRB]

Where did you collect them from? Deep in the woods, residential area?

Edit: I ask in reference to possibly being sprayed with pesticides.

Some may be, because I took them from my village, I went to grandpa's farm(some are from some fruit trees). But most are not(surrounding trees)...

just sun dry and then toss in the freezer. Freezing will kill anything without the leaves burning. Baking leaves to me sounds like a fire hazard. Last, you don't need much furniture / litter in your enclosures. People tend to over dress the enclosure and leave less room for the T to move. Sometimes less, produces more

I've done baking leaves before, it produces smell in the kitchen but not burning xd
I don't place too much, and I crunch some. Most will be just in a stash for future.

 

[Frogdaddy]

Some may be, because I took them from my village, I went to grandpa's farm(some are from some fruit trees). But most are not(surrounding trees)...

Fruit tree leaves as well as maple and many others will break down and decay into nothing in a very short time. Try and find oak leaves.

 

[VukSRB]

Fruit tree leaves as well as maple and many others will break down and decay into nothing in a very short time. Try and find oak leaves.

It's for juveniles, so 2 molts and I rehouse again. I will try to find oak leaves in the park for future, thanks!

 

[NorseDad]

I get mine from the woods and bake them at a low temperature. Actually makes the house smell like black tea. Haven't had an issue in over a year of doing this.

 

[VukSRB]

I get mine from the woods and bake them at a low temperature. Actually makes the house smell like black tea. Haven't had an issue in over a year of doing this.

Please tell me around what temperature do you bake and how long?

 

[NorseDad]

I bake mine on a cookie sheet for 2 hours at 175F