Wood for Gray Tree Frogs

[chris]

What type of wood would be best for gray's? I do not have any place to get driftwood. Is there a tree that would be safe, like oak or maple or something? It would not be wet just in humid air.

Thank You

[nesaraj]

oak should be fine....I have heard maple leeches toxic sap

[edward]

Oak can leach tannins which can lower the pH significantly. I have used both of these with many species of anurans and caudates with no problems.

Ed

[chris]

Thank you

I also have some interesting willow branches. could I use those?

[edward]

Willow will leach salicylic acid. I would not recommend willow if it will be submerged at all. You also need to be careful as willow roots very easily.

Ed

[kaysie]

Ed, at least then the frog wouldnt get a headache!

For those that dont get that: Salicylic acid is used in tea and commercial medicines (such as aspirin) as a pain reliever.

[edward]

If I remember correctly it is also a rooting stimulant for woody plants.

Ed

[jeffrey]

Any juveniles should be acne free too as Salicylic acid is used in many propriety acne medications

[nesaraj]

Yes, I heard that acne problems are a big deal in caudates attending highschool ;)

[mike_g]

I like using already fallen branches from Beech trees (Fagus granifolia, though sylvatica works well too). Ironwood/American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) works well too. Both trees have attractive bark and wood and esp. with beech, are widely planted so finding a few fallen limbs shoudn't be difficult. Magnolias (M. acuminata, virginia, grandiflora) work well, too.
~Mike

[mark]

what about some normal bits of cork. that can normally be brought from good reptile shops.
and it has normally been heat treated.

[nesaraj]

Some general info:
For Salicylic acid is not present in most teas. Most teas contain tannins, which is basically tannic acid with water(technically they are called polyphenols).
Tea-tree (and not tea) extract contains salicylic acid. Willow will also leech salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is indeed used in acne medications, beauty products and in aspirin.

[mike_g]

Cork bark often dyes the water an unsightly brown and has a tendency to lower the pH. I only use it in terrestrial tanks.
~Mike

[joseph]

Would manzanita work? I've seen some manzanita branches bleached white by the sun and they are very attractive.

[kaysie]

Raj, For general info: I didnt say it was found in all tea. i said its used IN tea as a pain reliever. This tea is made from willow bark.