Okay, so, i'm going to be building myself a snake rack. I have the plans pretty much ready, and i already got the wiring all done to add heat tape, but i do have a few very important questions.
Okay, so the frame will be made out of pine 1/2, and the sides, top, and bottom will be pine B/C plywood. I am using pine for those because the snakes will not come in contact with the wood itself. It's going to be a lidless system where i would just slide the tubs in. I'm not going to suspend the racks just make the shelves small enough so the snake can't slip out. If you know racks you know what i'm talking about.
So, question 1: What wood should i use for the shelves themselves? I was thinking birch or walnut, but it's nearly impossible to find and insanely expencive, where i am.
Question 2: If i stain and seal pine plywood will it still hurt the snakes? Or should i just go the safe rout and not use plywood near them at all?
Question 3: What kind of stains and/or sealants should i use on the wood?
Question 4: if i build the system and then stain and seal it will it change the dimenions and make it difficult to slide the reptile tub in and out?
Lots of questions, sorry! I just want to make sure i do it right so that i don't hurt the snakes.
Any, and all help, is greatly appreciated, thank you!