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[Rachael29]

Hi guys
As you know I'm assembling my new cage for my chinnies. I've looked online and at our local pet shops and all the shelfs are too small for what I want to do

My question is does the wood need to be kiln dried or can just dry wood do?

I can get all the lengths I'm looking for at my local hardware store (b&q) and its pine wood and used for building house hold things its untreated pine wood and looks ideal for what I'm looking for and way cheaper than asking an online seller to custom make the size of shelfs I want.

I have also looked at pictures of the pre made shelfs and the wood and pictures of the other wood and they actually look like the exact same wood.

Can I buy and custom make my own shelfs with the hardware store pine wood?

[Flint]

I would go for kiln dried wood to be on the safe side. Non kiln dried wood may still contain resin which can be harmful to your chins. I see you are in in UK. Have you tried John Hopewell as he can custom make any size of shelf you require in safe wood. Google him, and have a look at his site. All my cages are from John, and fantastic. He's a lovely person.

[GrayRodent]

I recommend obtaining a basic hand saw and hand drill to make your own shelving. That way you can experiment with different lengths and configurations and easily replace shelves when they become grungy or chewed to oblivion. Cage shelving should be replaced about once a year and also if a chinchilla has contracted a contagious infection.

Here is a diagram I created to help with the process. Although it's been circulating on facebook I've added it to our reference board just now:

http://www.chinchillaclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,4997.msg35820/topicseen.html#new

[Rachael29]

Thanks for the advice on making them however can I use dried white pine wood from the hardware store?
Thanks

[GrayRodent]

Yes white pine is safe.

[Rachael29]

So excited!
Making the shelfs just now. Will take pictures once all the shelfs are finished!