Idea for a new type of hamster cage...help needed.

[namrufmo]

I've been looking at making a new hamster cage for my girl Baloney. I love the Ikea Expedit idea, but by the time you get glass doors and stuff it'd be pretty expensive. So I rummaged around my basement and I think I found a much cheaper option.

I have an old stereo shelf system like this:


It has a large glass door/magnet on the front already installed! I would make a new cabinet using MDF, insert vents on the sides, make ramps for her to get to each level, etc.

My only concern would be the wood getting wet under the shavings. How could I treat the wood to ensure it wouldn't get ruined?

[Nikorusama]

You can use plastikote spray can it's safe for animals and hopefully if you give it enough coats it will make cleaning the wood easier and it also protects the wood (not from chewing though :P)

[namrufmo]

Do they sell that in America?

[Nikorusama]

Welcome to Plasti-Kote

[namrufmo]

Score! My last question is what type of wood should I use...or does it not matter if I just paint the whole thing...

[namrufmo]

Out of curiosity...what makes Plastikote safer than other paints?

[fluffymunchkins]

Plastikote is often designed to paint thing like childrens toys, anything safe for children is likely to be safe for pets

[Lougarry]

I don't know if you can get it in the US, but I used Fiddes Hard Wax Oil to wee-proof the wooden shelf and wheel in my vivarium. Again, it's used on children's wood toys.