Bark removal

[codiwatkins]

Does anyone have any suggestions on way to effectively remove bark from branches? I am about to buy a juvenile panther and I know that they are notorious for chewing on branches. I had an bad experience with bark that ended in a very poor outcome and would like to put all safe guards up to prevent it from happening again!

 

[werecat]

Not really sure on this. Normally I get branches with bark already removed, but from what I noticed last week during the So-Cal heat wave, the combination of water and heat caused some bark to start peeling on one branch in my cage. Try soaking the branches and then exposing to heat (low temp oven)? That may help to loosen it for you to scrape off.

 

[codiwatkins]

I'll give that a whirl! I've just been trying to peel it off with a paint scraper... I've broken several good branches with that method!

 

[MelissaB]

If they're fresh branches, you might be able to take a knife and peel a strip, and use your fingers to peel the rest off. It would probably depend on the type of tree you're using.

 

[Carlton]

Does anyone have any suggestions on way to effectively remove bark from branches? I am about to buy a juvenile panther and I know that they are notorious for chewing on branches. I had an bad experience with bark that ended in a very poor outcome and would like to put all safe guards up to prevent it from happening again!

I usually scrape the LOOSE flaky or rotted bark off branches, but don't bother with the firmly attached "healthy" bark. Once you've scrubbed the branch with hot water and bleach solution or baked it, most bad stuff or flaky bark is easy to remove. But I also inspect and replace my branches if they show signs of further rot or decay anyway.

 

[codiwatkins]

I usually scrape the LOOSE flaky or rotted bark off branches, but don't bother with the firmly attached "healthy" bark. Once you've scrubbed the branch with hot water and bleach solution or baked it, most bad stuff or flaky bark is easy to remove. But I also inspect and replace my branches if they show signs of further rot or decay anyway.

I had a juvenile Cham that actually chewed on his branches and choked and died on a piece of bark that was lodge in his throat. :/

I'd like to try and get all the bark off if possible..

 

[mav805]

A utility knife from the hardware store will take the bark off a branch quickly and easily, just make sure you cut away from yourself