Would this wood be safe for Chins?

[Marcham93]

It says Kiln Dried Pine, but I just want to make sure that I'm not missing anything.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/1-x-4-x-...ewood-Board-S4S-914681/202074475#.UUvuHxyTjHo

Thanks!

If it's not safe... where can I get safe wood?

 

[Vyxxin]

Yep, looks like the right stuff. Just be sure when you go to buy it you make absolute sure it's NOT treated Pretty easy to do, most staff members know that much.

 

[ziether]

No, whitewood is dangerous to them. It is not considered pine. Home depot will tell you it is pine but it is actually a type of spruce. The actual pine will be a shade darker in color than the whitewood, once compared side by side, you will see the difference.

Most "indoor" wood at retailers that are used to builds homes are often kiln dried.

 

[Marcham93]

Yep, looks like the right stuff. Just be sure when you go to buy it you make absolute sure it's NOT treated Pretty easy to do, most staff members know that much.

Thanks!

PS- Any good tutorials around on making hammocks or shelves? I heard there was one (for hammocks) on this forum somewhere, but I can't seem to find it.

 

[Chinmama]

Make sure when you go to the actual Home Depot or Lowe's to buy the wood, it is labeled as Pine or Poplar. There will also be a stamp on the wood or a tag that says KD (kiln dried). Don't buy anything that is labeled as Whitewood - make sure it is Pine or Poplar, they do have both in stock.

The "DIY/How To" is a sticky at the top of the Housing & Supplies forum. Here is a link: http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15265

 

[Marcham93]

Make sure when you go to the actual Home Depot or Lowe's to buy the wood, it is labeled as Pine or Poplar. There will also be a stamp on the wood or a tag that says KD (kiln dried). Don't buy anything that is labeled as Whitewood - make sure it is Pine or Poplar, they do have both in stock.

The "DIY/How To" is a sticky at the top of the Housing & Supplies forum. Here is a link: http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15265

Thanks!

 

[Marcham93]

Update:

I picked up some poplar wood from Home Depot which has no pesticides on it. I will make sure to boil it in hot water and cook it in the oven before putting it in Gizmo's cage.

For the metal washers, bolts, and wing nuts - They are metal and do contain Zinc, but they will be kept outside the cage so I don't think that will be an issue.

 

[ziether]

Update:

I picked up some poplar wood from Home Depot which has no pesticides on it. I will make sure to boil it in hot water and cook it in the oven before putting it in Gizmo's cage.

For the metal washers, bolts, and wing nuts - They are metal and do contain Zinc, but they will be kept outside the cage so I don't think that will be an issue.

Marcham,

If you need any help with anything please let me know. I have been building custom pieces for inside chinchilla cages for some time now. My pieces are some of the most elaborate you will find on the market and I can tell you how to build some of them and what you will need. PM me anytime.

Thanks,

John

 

[AZChins]

I'm glad that you were able to find wood for the cage.

I don't know why you would boil the wood though. Kiln dried wood has already been treated with heat and the moisture has been removed, so baking really wouldn't be necessary either. As long as it hasn't been chemically treated it should be alright.

 

[Marcham93]

II don't know why you would boil the wood though. Kiln dried wood has already been treated with heat and the moisture has been removed, so baking really wouldn't be necessary either. As long as it hasn't been chemically treated it should be alright.

Hi Susan. I was following the instructions I found here for preparing the wood:

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

Also, the wood isn't kiln dried. The safe wood list on this forum said that pine had to be kiln dried, but poplar didn't have to be.

http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34

 

[AZChins]

In that link they're talking about wood that is cut directly from a tree, not prepared wood from Home Depot. If you bought the wood at Home Depot, it's been kiln dried. Most lumber from there has to be to prevent it from molding or rotting. Moisture in the wood would lead to mold fairly quickly.

I think you're definitely safe not boiling or baking it.

 

[Marcham93]

In that link they're talking about wood that is cut directly from a tree, not prepared wood from Home Depot.

Cut from a tree! Wow, other chin owners are definitely more devoted than me. Haha. :tease:

 

[AZChins]

Some chins are very addicted to certain woods so chin owners must take matters into their own hands to ensure that the chins get what they want!

 

[Cuddlebug]

That thread is actually about wood used for chewing, not shelves.

 

[Marcham93]

That thread is actually about wood used for chewing, not shelves.

Don't chins chew everything though?

 

[Cuddlebug]

Yes, they do, but the wood for shelves is bought at the home improvement store and is already treated with heat. The wooden twigs for chewing are usually trimmed from trees, washed, boiled and baked.

 

[Idgie]

I just buy poplar instead of any kind of pine. Less knot holes and better looking for shelves. Plus, no confusion. And you can cut up small poplar trim for chew sticks.

 

[Marcham93]

Marcham,

If you need any help with anything please let me know. I have been building custom pieces for inside chinchilla cages for some time now. My pieces are some of the most elaborate you will find on the market and I can tell you how to build some of them and what you will need. PM me anytime.

Thanks,

John

I've seen the tour of your cage on YouTube! Super impressive!

And thanks for the offer of help!