What woods are safe for hidey houses?

[Sambomom]

I'm looking into making some hidey houses before we get our cavys, but I'm wondering what woods are safe to use to make them and how big should they be and how big should the window hole and the door hole be?
Thanks so much!
Carol

 

[aqh88]

You can just get normal untreated lumber, which would be pine, from local hardware or farm stores. I think the minimum for a hole, pipe, etc... for adult guinea pigs is usually considered to be 4-5". If you want to make it so even fairly large adults can run in and out easily you'd be best off just leaving 1 end open or half of a long side if your making the house large and not putting in any windows so they still feel hidden. For size I'd measure your longest pig and add a few inches for minimum length and take off a coulpe inches for minimum width.

 

[Sambomom]

I just wanted to make sure that pine was okay for something like this, if it isn't the best thing for bedding unless it's kiln dried I wanted to make sure you could use it for a hidey house.
Thanks so much,
Carol

 

[catzeye21138]

Yup. Pine wood doesn't have the same risk as pine bedding. I use pine wood for the ramp in my cage and it also gives them something to chew on.