Treated wood for bottom -

[Rabbits by Accident]

Is there any problem with using treated wood UNDER the wire as the bottom supports for the cage/hutch? I would think treated wood will hold up longer than soft pine (my other option)

Thanks for any help, suggestions, advice

-Liz

 

[Mariah's Meadows]

I have treated wood under wire of some of my enclosures for added structural support and stability. You will definitely notice a difference between treated and untreated wood in terms of lifespan. I apply an additional waterproofing coating to the wood as well to increase longevity. That also makes the surface a bit tacky and unappealing to chew for my rabbits.

Is the concern that they would chew it and become ill? Mine at least are physically unable to get their teeth on the wood at all through the wire. You could always double up wire there as further precaution.

 

[Zee-Man]

Once upon a time wood was treated against termites and fungus using arsenic. Those days are gone. Modern treatment is with copper sulfide. Still not something you want your rabbits eating daily, but much less inimical to health. Not only did I use treated lumber in the hutch, both where rabbits can chew it and outside the wire, but I painted it with a semi-solid stain.

My rabbits have chewed on the wood on occasion. As someone pointed out is a different thread, it might depend on the rabbit and conditions. I built the hutch with plenty of room to move (the base apartment is 4 feet long expanded to 8 feet) I have chew toys in there and I give her a lot of wild forage including dry leaves and bramble branches.