I have found many pet sites on the internet saying they are lethal for rats, And others say'ing they are not...Wich is it?
2006-06-18 15:04:21 · 8 answers · asked by bradford99336 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
It's not that the woodchips are harmfull, it's actually the "aromatic" oils that cedar and pine bedding are treated with. They have been shown to cause both liver and lung problems in small animals, specifically rats and mice. At one point in time before this evidence was so well documented, I did keep my rats in cedar bedding and never had any such problem, but with so much documented proof out there, I don't see a reason to risk thier health. Not to mention that there are beddings like Aspen chips, Carefresh, Cellu-sorb, and Yesterday's News (all of which I use in my rattery) that work just as well if not better and are reasonably priced. You can even buy some of these beddings (TekFresh, a product made by Harlan Labs that is very similar to CareFresh) at a good discount online from Kim's ark rat rescue store, an online store that uses all of it's proceeds for its' rat rescue organization.
2006-06-19 09:50:32 · answer #1 · answered by callalily730 1 · 5⤊ 0⤋
recycled pulp bedding is the best, aspen is the best as far as wood chips go. The reason fragrant chips are not good for rats is because it can cause upper respiratory infections. In any case the cage should be well ventilated. If you use an aquarium it would probably be best to use recycled paper bedding, there are no fumes and they absorb more so the rats can breathe better. In any case its not much more expensive so why even take the risk. They are your pets, I'm sure you love them and know that they deserve the best.
2006-06-19 01:39:25 · answer #2 · answered by silent*scream 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, just stay away from the cedar chips. They can cause respiratory problems. Pine is just fine.
2006-06-19 00:31:35 · answer #3 · answered by rachelsroadside 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lethal? Not really, at least not quickly.
Not good? They are NOT good for any small animals. The resins in the wood (that make the nice smell) are bad for their lungs, eyes, etc.
2006-06-18 23:51:12 · answer #4 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's cedar that is very toxic to them, but pine resin might also be, just less toxic.
but my old roomie used a pine / birch mix, and his rats survived.
2006-06-18 22:09:20 · answer #5 · answered by sspyndel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use aspen chips for my guinea pigs, its great. I tried using kiln dried pine chips but it still got resin on them.
Might try calling a vet.
2006-06-18 22:16:21 · answer #6 · answered by Who am I? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES, both pine and ceder cause respiratory illnesses! No small animal should ever be housed on them.
2006-06-18 22:46:57 · answer #7 · answered by Em 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pine is fine, so is cedar. Stop worrying
2006-06-18 22:14:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋