fresh manzanita branches

Hey all I've got manzanita growing in my yard. So i Chopped some nice perches, but most everyone uses sandblasted branches. Just wondering if the bark is still on them is it harmful to chams. Haven't put them in yet but just wondering because I'm tired of stripping these branches

I think that would be fine, just wash it off first and take off any loose bark

No, you don't have to. I never stripped my branches and they are holding up really well a year later.

If the bark on larger diameter branches is very smooth it can be hard for them to grip...their claws don't seem to penetrate the surface as well. But, it will hold up to water better.

So even if there fresh? Or should they dry out for a while

I cut branches one afternoon and put them in the cage that night. It's true that really thick branches with smooth bark are a little harder to hold on to, but if you're smart about branch size I don't think that's an isssue. Most bark isn't that smooth anyway, I think, with the exception of something like bamboo.

Here is one of my cages almost a year after putting the branches in. They've held up really well to the humidity, misting, and heat.

Awesome thanks guys. I'm lucky enough to have this growing in my yard. I'm pretty creative and will be building some jungle gym and maybe some free range trees for my chams. Our new ambi gets delivered tomorrow (fingers crossed) and got a really nice set up for my veiled. I'm just trying to keep them entertained while there in there viv