Which Type Of Wood?

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Cavy Lover

Cavy Lover

Adult Guinea Pig
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I was just wondering what wood type is suitable for guinea pigs?
I am interested in building them a new house as their other one is quite old. Also is there any type of paint that is suitable to paint it with. My pigs chew on their houses so I obviously don't want to poison them! Thanks.
 
I wouldn't even bother painting it. There's just so much of a risk involved with it and not something you exactly need to do. For lumber, aspen I believe to be safe as that is the recommended wood bedding. Liden/basswood, kiln dried white pine and poplar are also safe choices. Woods that aren't safe are redwood, air-dried pine, cedar and eucalyptus. Soft, resinous and aromantic woods are not good for guinea pigs. Fruitwood might also be a nice treat, except wood from the Prunus family.

Any wood that releases a chemical known as phenols can cause chronic respitory and lung problems. Cedar and pine are two I mentioned above that release these strongly.
 
i would look into what the quality hutch makers use. perhaps contact them for advice.

i don't know much except that MDF shouldn't be, and that plywood contains alot of glue between each layer so i wouldn't use that either.

safe paints i know of are the cuprinol garden shades range and wilkos own brand garden shade range, however i still don't think it's advised that they ingest too much - it's just that the odd nibble of these paints should do no harm. i've seen people on youtube paint using soy paints but again, i don't really know much about those to be honest :)
 
Thanks guys. I will look into all of these options and I think I have heard of soy paint but I have never seen them in shops.
 
If you want to secure the safety of your pig and still wish to paint it you may have to order some of these items on the internet. Have you decided on a wood to use yet?
 
Seven said:
If you want to secure the safety of your pig and still wish to paint it you may have to order some of these items on the internet. Have you decided on a wood to use yet?
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Not yet. I actually think I'm going to wait until after Christmas.Because it is getting dark earlier and I get back at four. Plus Christmas exams are starting in a few weeks and I need to study if I want to do well. Thanks everyone for your help though I will look back on this thread after Christmas and then I will make a decision. Though if I can get my hands on the right stuff by Christmas, I could do it during the holidays.
 
i'm also buliding a wooden cage at the moment and I'm just going to use chipboard for the cage and on the floor non toxic floor paint to keep it waterproof.
 
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