Aging tree branches

[Cavarna]

Is there any way to age tree branches in a more timely fashion than 3 months out? I'm specifically interested in Aspen branches (unsprayed, unfertilized) from my yard and I'm wondering if anyone has actually used these. I know they're safe but has anyone had success with their piggies? Do you leave the bark on as well? Thank you so much!

[Piggersrule]

The fastest way to age/dry wood is to bake it in the oven. Now that I have a Chinchilla, I have been using the wood from my apple and pear trees. The smaller twigs I just bake in the oven at 325 degrees for a couple of hours. The thicker wood I boil for 1/2 hour and than bake till dry. You can leave the bark on. All the wood that you are using has to be scrubbed clean first before boiling/baking. I gave some twigs to my piggies and some of them like to chew the apple wood. Boiling/baking the wood will kill off any bacteria, fungus and parasites that maybe in the wood.

[Slave to the Rose]

Will the wood not catch fire in the oven? Also do you just put it on a cookie sheet or what? Is it possible to over bake a tree branch!?!

[Piggersrule]

I have never had the wood catch fire at 325 degrees. I wouldn't set the oven any hotter than 325. You can use a cookie sheet but make sure you line the pan with tinfoil. The sap from the branches will seep out, it's really difficult to get that off the baking pans. I suppose you could over bake the wood, I haven't yet. When the bark is looking dry and shriveled than it is ready.

[Slave to the Rose]

How long of a stick could you bake?

[Piggersrule]

As long as you want it to be, as long as it fits in the oven. Don't let the sticks touch the sides of the oven though.

[Slave to the Rose]

Awesome! Thanks for all the help. I will probably do that today!