#99679

 Toxic Wood?

I built a new cage for my water dragon Moe out of pine (yeah I know I am an idiot). I was wondering if I were to coat all the studs with paint would they be safe. If anyone can help me I would be greatful. Thanks Matt

 #99683

 Toxic Wood?

no dude dont use paint, use Polyurethune, its much better. and it will make the pine like un-bad. also using pait and pine is like a double negitave buddy.

 #99780

 Toxic Wood?

Right dont use paint.... Use Poly like Ryan said or use a good Marine varnish. Make sure to let it air out for at least 30 days before adding any critters. Here is the problem with pine and cedar..... Although this information is hardly common knowledge, the laboratory animal community has recognized since at least 1967 that cedar and pine shavings, both of which contain phenols, are potentially toxic to small animals (Vesell, Cunliffe-Beamer). Phenols are caustic, poisonous, acidic compounds present in softwoods, which are routinely diluted for use in disinfectants (for instance, Pine-Sol and Lysol both use phenols and can cause liver and kidney damage in rodents, rabbits, cats, dogs, and humans). They are what make disinfectants cover smells and cedar and pine shavings cover the smell of animal urine. Since phenols are caustic, their direct connection to respiratory problems and pneumonia in rats, mice, and guinea pigs is clear. The constant irritation to the nasal passages, throat, and lungs gives harmful bacteria an easy opening. Phenols also affect organs such as the liver and kidneys because these organs are responsible for filtering blood and urine and eliminating toxins from them. While the kidneys and liver can handle a small amount of toxins, when they are presented with a large amount over time, they are unable to filter it all out and begin to fail. In addition, a rat or mouse with a damaged liver will have a depressed immune system, which can lead to more common “old age” symptoms such as respiratory and pulmonary infections. Interestingly, one of the main causes of death in older hamsters is amyloidosis of the kidneys. The cause is often considered idiopathic (not known), but if cedar and pine shavings can damage the kidneys, the possibility for a connection between bedding and disease once again surfaces. So in conclusion it’s best to stay away from these soft woods for Herps! MrGreen!!

 #99783

 Toxic Wood?

hey mr.green, but would pine be allright if used for the frame of the enclosure that i am going to build, if i also coat it in poly?

 #99894

 Toxic Wood?

Ryan - Many people use pine studs but you can also get studs in hemlock or douglas fir which would be a better choice for about the same price. I’m not really sure if it would cause problems over time so I stay away from it to be safe. I used Alum. studs for mine which work great, are real light, and inexpensive. Hope this helps.. MrGreen!!

 #99918

 Toxic Wood?

no haha im not talkin about the studs, im talking about the actual wood that i would use to make the frame. because i already have it and i have aleady coated it with the poly. and the dragons arent going to come in contact with the wood at all, and if the wood is a problem at all then i will just put plastic sheets over it so they cant come in contact with it at all.

 #99923

 Toxic Wood?

lol :-) ... Me too, I built my frame with Alum. studs, like in an office building. But to answer your question it should be fine. I don’t think it will cause any problems .... but I’m not an expert, just my opinion. MrGreen!!

 #99931

 Toxic Wood?

haha allright koo man. oh yea i got a another question for you, is your name for this site mr. green from the SoBe drink...? or am i like totally wrong, and your just a green dude. haha.

 #100599

 Toxic Wood?

Thanks alot for all the help. -Matt

 #100942

 Toxic Wood?

Ryan07, I reckon like Mr Green pine would be fine as long as its coated in poly