[hogmother]

I'm thinking of making levels in a cage for Priscilla (yes, yes, I know they must be closed off and so must the ramp) and I think I'd like to use wood.

Does anyone have suggestions as to a) what type of wood and b) what type of wood varnish/sealant I can coat on to make the stuff waterproof (peeproof) and easier to wipe with a wet cloth?

I remember some woods are off limits for hedgehogs so if anyone can remind me which are not good to use and also which DO work that would be great! Thanks!

 

[Herisson]

I have used this before on a pine chinchilla hut:
http://www.decoart.com/cgi-bin/Products ... _Varnishes

 

[dorasdaddy]

I would stay away from wood altogether since it is very hard to disinfect and can harbor mites. instead of adding a second level have you thought about maybe a d-i-y C&C cage that you can make bigger on one level instead of adding a second. I have read about many hedgies that completely ignore the second level so it ends up being a waste of time, effort and money. Expanding the current level, if possible, is much more of a sure bet.

 

[Shelbys Mom]

Cedar is a definite NO it can cause URI's in small animals.
I believe you can use Kiln dried pine.

I'm not sure what other kinds can be used or what kind of Varnish or sealer.
I would like to know what would be best because I'm going to (hopefully) start a project for mine in a few month's and I'm going to need this stuff too!

 

[Reaper]

I believe minwax makes a few non toxic when dry urethane coatings.

 

[Tasha]

I have read about many hedgies that completely ignore the second level so it ends up being a waste of time, effort and money

This happened to me! Built HUGE conti-board vivarium with second level, and for a week Henry used it. But then he stopped coming out of his igloo at night. Someone on here (sorry i've forgotten who) suggested removing the second level and since i have he loves it. Unfortunately i now need to build a longer one to compensate for the loss of level. :?

Sorry i can't help with the wood. If you do build the second level let me know if he likes it.

 

[Nancy]

Warning, whatever you use to coat the wood, make sure you use a latex, water based product. I built a new cage for my gang and used Varathane colours (white) on it. It took over a month of airing out before the smell was gone enough to use. Every day hubby and I carried it outside to try and get the smell off it. NEVER AGAIN!!!!! The surface cleans like a dream but I am very disappointed because the white turned yellow after only a couple of months. I will never use an oil based product on a cage again.

Not only will many hedgehogs not use a level, often the levels make the cage harder to clean.

 

[hogmother]

Hmm thanks for the replies about a 2nd level. It's hard to know if it's something she'd go for but the thing is we're moving to a much smaller apartment and we don't have the floorspace for a sprawling cage. Right now she is in a sterilite tub which is hardly ideal as it's smaller than what she used to live in (which got broken) so we've been habitat shopping and it seems wide birdcages are the best bet for our living situation, at about 6 square feet with a second level.

I'm at a bit of a loss as I'm not sure what to do on the cage front. I really dislike the way c&c cages look and I'd like to do the second level but of course now I'm worried she won't use another level. Having said that anything would be an improvement on what she has now - I think she needs way more mental stimulation and space - I'm looking forward to moving in 2 weeks so we can sort SOMETHING out..!

 

[HinataHedghe]

I have a question related to this: I’m building a cage and we are using an oil based sealer. I was told it will take a week to cure and air out, will it then be safe for my hedgehog or should I just scrap it and start over?

 

[nikki]

Please check the date on a thread before posting, this one is from 2009. If you have a question please start your own thread.