ASFS on cedar

[R&DP]

Does anyone know if it is safe to keep ASFS on cedar shavings to use as feeders?

[jasbus]

Nope. I don't use, or even sell cedar in my store.

[Rhasputin]

No, cedar is harmful to their respiratory systems.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

I never dismiss anything anymore until I try it for myself.

A good example is using pine as a substrate for my snakes. I had heard from so many different sources that you can NEVER keep snakes on pine, that I just assumed it to be a fact.... that was until a breeder friend of mine (who has been keeping and breeding snakes for a living longer then I have been alive) told me that it was bullcrap, and that he had been keeping his snakes on pine since the beginning of time without issue.

If you have a bag of cedar shavings I say try it out. Obviously if the rats start having issues, then change to something else. The only one that can tell you for certain what will work for YOU and YOUR rats is YOU!

Mikey

[Rhasputin]

A lot of the info on pine and cedar is wrong, or misinterpreted (as in, it's really not as bad as some people would say). But cedar shavings do have a strong smell, and breathing that does cause respiratory illnesses.

A little sprinkle in a cage usually won't hurt though, and it does make the cages smell better and keeps mites away.

[Anatopism]

Cedar is known to cause severe respiratory distress through experiences posted on multiple rat/mouse/small animal forums, not just rumor. Pine and other softwoods are similar, due to the aromatic phenols/oils in the wood, but is generally a much slower process and tends to affect animals like rats with weakened immune systems (E.g stress or cramped quarters).

Again, not rumors, but through actual experiences with rodent owners and breeders. True, ASFs are different from a typical mouse or rat that are more common, but why risk raising a colony and having it die or become ill when you could use something like aspen that is just as cheap, and perfectly safe? Don't like the smell of rodents... use baking soda. Really really like the smell of cedar? Use it in another part of the room, not as bedding for them to root around in close contact.

Just my thoughts. A little preachy, sorry. I prefer the cautious route when it comes to the health and safety of my animals, or their food.