Can I paint inside of hutch?

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PingandChipy

PingandChipy

Teenage Guinea Pig
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Hi, I think my guinea pig is allergic to the pine that we've used to make the hutch. So I was going to seal it with paint but I'm scared it'll be toxic to her. She won't be inside it until it dries or anywhere near the paint fumes.\

Is this safe to do? I was going to paint the outside and inside.
Thanks,
Lynn
 
What makes you think she is allergic to the wood? Has the pine you used been treated? The chemicals used to treat wood may be aggravating her airways, and if this is the case I don't think painting will help. I would be worried about the permeability of the wood if you paint the inside. Wood for animal housing needs to breath, or it will become damp and mouldy. I would rather leave the cage to air for a week or so, to see if this improves her allergy at all. If it doesn't then I would be inclined to use a stain or oil for the outside rather than paint. I don't think I would treat the inside, just in case your guinea chews on the wood, which they are inclined to do! I have never known of an allergy to wood with guineas, I am interested to see if anyone has had any experience. :)
 
A lot of guinea pigs have problems with pine, it can irritate them, so she could well be allergic.

You can paint it, but you will have to find a pet friendly paint, one that will keep her safe even if she chews the wood. I think a stain/varnish would be better, as long as it is non-toxic.
 
I used cuprinol garden shades range which is pet safe on mine. I am about to do the insides of one my hutches as its got a little bit stained over the winter.
 
i have used the breath easy white paint for wood and metal for all the inside of my hutches and i have had not one problem with anyone becoming ill. Its about £15 for a tin.
 
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