Drying Wood?

[Vyxxin]

I generally give my chins fresh wood...in small amounts...but I was wondering about this and haven't seen many/any thread about it so figured I'd ask. If I go out in the spring and clip off a bunch of apple branches from a tree that I know is pesticide free...how do I dry that wood (we're talking 1/2" thick to 1.5" thick) so that it is safe for storage and will not mold? I know people bake them...but wouldn't know how long or at what temp...etc...thanks!

 

[KeepYourChinUp]

Drying wood depends on size. Turn your oven on to 200 to 250, place the wood on cookie sheets in the middle of your oven, I suggest 2 hours to 6 hours depending on sizes...do the snap test when drying....drying wood is a personal judgement! And trial and error!!

Good Luck

 

[alli713]

http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41

You can go up to 250 degrees, but just be sure and keep checking on the wood so that it doesn't burn. Basically bake until they look dry throughout or until the middles start cracking. If you let them sit in paper grocery bags, they will air out just fine even if you didn't completely dry them and they won't mold

 

[Vyxxin]

Thanks!