Litter talk

[CB Millicent]

I read somewhere that pine shavings emitted a potentially poisonous toxin and that I should avoid them. So I have Aspen shavings in my bun's litter boxes.

I see that a lot of people who post here use pine. So...is it NOT bad for rabbits? Is there something better than pine or Aspen? I have a big time eater/pooper/pee-er and change the litter daily.

What do YOU use, and why?

 

[plasticbunny]

I use aspen. I know that cedar is really bad, and I've heard the same for pine, but for some reason I can't find any research showing this. If anyone does know of any research that proves pine to be danggerous, it would be good to know.

I just began a new job at a pet store, which uses pine shavings for all of their small animals. I feel like this is acceptable because the animals aren't at the store long-term. I did mention to the manager that when someone purchases a rabbit, I would not feel right about recommending pine shavings to them for long-term use (which she was OK with because paper and aspen are more pricey anyway) -BUT she said that pineWAS okay and that there wasn't any proof that it wasn't. Again, if anyone has any research they'd be able to share, that would be great.

If the cost of aspen is what's bothering you, you should check out local farm supply/feed stores. I get 8 sqare feet of compressed aspen for $20 - a steal compared to any pet store in my area.

 

[dragynflye]

pine SHAVINGS are bad. kiln dried pine PELLETS are safe. the process used to turn them in to pellets removes the harmful phenols. i use pine pellet horse bedding for my rabbits and my cats. you can find feline pine cat litter at most pet stores and it's the same thing, just a little more expensive.

 

[dragynflye]

there is proof of the dangers of pine and cedar of small animals. i'm on my nook right now, so can't look it up for you, but a qick google search will turn up tons of info. i do remember seeing an article about it on the house rabbit society page, as well. while it would take longer term use than a short time in a pet store to cause the liver damage, pine is also very dusty and hard on the resporitory system of many small animals. i would never buy an animal from an establishment using pine, because i would likely be making a trip to the vet to treat for resporitory issues soon after.