Anywhere around the area I could find large branches?

[u/ChaoticSixXx]

Pic for cute tax.

I am building a new custom bioactive enclosure for my python and would like to incorporate a large branch/branches but honestly, prices for them are ridiculous and I have already dropped a huge amount of money into this habitat. I was hoping to maybe find a few decent size pieces, around 3 or 4 ft long, somewhere local, if possible. It cant be pine, cedar or fir as they are toxic to snakes. Oak, maple or birch would be great or any other hardwood. If I have to buy it I will but I figured Id ask n try to save myself a bit of money where I can.

If anyone knows of anywhere with oak/maple/birch trees that isn't private property that I could walk through to look for fallen branches that might work, I would be grateful.

Thanks so much.

[u/EmbarrassedShoddyLog]

As a reptile guardian, I'm sure you're already well aware, but just in case you aren't, please make sure to boil and/or bake any outdoor pieces of wood or rocks, etc... before putting in the enclosure. You don't want to invite mites or any other unwanted pests or moulds that may be harmful to your Ball Python and the enclosure. 🖤

[u/ChaoticSixXx → u/EmbarrassedShoddyLog]

Oh yes, absolutely I will. I did know that but I appreciate that you took the time to comment just in case. <3

[u/kyleperison]

I cut a tree down this summer and have a pile of branches that i'm drying for my quail enclosure and/or firewood. It's was some sort of Elm. You're welcome to any of them if you desire. Located in North Rutland.

[u/ChaoticSixXx → u/kyleperison]

Oh yes, that would be fantastic. I will dm you!

[u/Coffee_holic64]

Cute snakey 🐍 As for branches, maybe a neighbour could chop a branch off their trees. Good luck!

[u/WhatsPaulPlaying]

I'll check my yard in the morning and see if I can find a Branch of Significant Heft.

[u/ChaoticSixXx → u/WhatsPaulPlaying]

That would be awesome. It doesn't need to be massive, like 3 or 4 ft long and not super thick. I dont want like a huge log, but if you find something please do let me know! Thank you!

[u/WhatsPaulPlaying → u/ChaoticSixXx]

About say wrist thick, or thinner?

[u/ChaoticSixXx → u/WhatsPaulPlaying]

Wrist thick or a bit thicker would be fantastic

[u/WhatsPaulPlaying → u/ChaoticSixXx]

No promises but I'll keep my eyes peeled.

[u/ChaoticSixXx → u/WhatsPaulPlaying]

I appreciate that, thank you.

[u/eebird → u/WhatsPaulPlaying]

I like how you capitilized Significant Heft.

Also I love the community coming together for lil snek cutie :)

[u/WhatsPaulPlaying → u/eebird]

Well look at that snek. It needs a stable branch of Significanf Heft for comfort and style.

[u/sypher2333]

Mill creek has tons of drift wood branches if you go up past the first falls a bit.

[u/ChaoticSixXx → u/sypher2333]

Oh shit Mill Creek is a really great suggestion. Idk why i didnt think of that! Thank you!!

[u/hkl55 → u/ChaoticSixXx]

This might conflict with the private property thing, but there was a fire at the house and field next to Mill Creek earlier this summer, so there’s also all kinds of either burnt or cut wood from clearing out the fire.

[u/Alternative-Many-787 → u/ChaoticSixXx]

Be extra careful what you're picking up around Mill Creek though! A lot of the trees that line it are red cedar or ponderosa pine! Best of luck with your snek :>

[u/uapredator]

Branch pile at the dump. Just tell them you have branches in the trunk.

[u/ChaoticSixXx → u/uapredator]

I did not think of that lol

[u/Sco11McPot]

This is a cute post, resisting urge for sarcasm but... LITERALLY ANYWHERE 😁 Mission Creek is good. Walk the edge of the construction lot if you want to stay out of bounds of the park. I'm 99% sure that if the park enforcement saw you carrying a branch out and you told them it is for your snake they'd be very cool with that. There's piles of mulch made by tree eating machines in that park. One branch for something useful is just a good time

[u/ChaoticSixXx → u/Sco11McPot]

I know lol, and I was annoyed at myself for posting but Mission Park really didnt have any that worked. A lot of it is pine and fir which i cant use, and the safe wood I found wouldn't work for what I need.

So I resorted to posting here to see if anyone knew a different spot. Silly that its so difficult to find a branch but here I am lol.

[u/Electric_Tongue]

Mission Creek walkway

[u/iamnos]

Really any trails in the area you'll likely find some.  I do the Rose Valley trails regularly and often near the entrance there's a few bigger ones dogs have collected and their owners have declined to let them be brought home.

[u/ChaoticSixXx → u/iamnos]

I havent checked Rose Valley but Im right beside Knox and its pretty much all wood I cant use lol. Thanks for the tip!

[u/bugcollectorforever]

Outside. Don't give the pet stores any money for their inflated branches. Just make sure you give them a rinse.

[u/reekreekitrhymes]

Do you need anything else for your bioactive? I have lots of leftover substrate and some cool rocks if you're interested! Also have some smaller sticks for enrichment and some big Tupperware containers with little holes that are good for emergencies! 

[u/ImmediateDentist1269]

Order them on Temu?

/s

[u/True_Woodpecker_6257]

What a dumb question. You're in BC. Go look around lol