Pine Debate!!!

[Pork Chops N' Corn Bread]

Pine for rats and mice, is it ok or not? I have read articles that say dried pine is ok for your rodents. I also read that the lack of dust and increased ventilation(sp?) make pine a great choice. I have a good supplier 1/2 hour away that has pine for a reasonable price.
So what do you think(personal experience only, no he say she say please).

[mlededee]

it's bad. it is dusty and the oils is contain are not good for rodents or reptiles. it makes rodents sneezy and runny nosed. i like aspen the best and so do my rodents.

[jglass38]

I've switched from Aspen to Pine for my rats. I haven't noticed any increase in sneezing or respiratory problems of any kind. The stuff I had been getting was a little too dusty so this week I picked up the brand sold at Petco. A little more expensive for the same size bag but its much better quality.

[Ginevive]

Does anyone have a link to any studies done on pine? I am just wondering; it has such a bad rap.
I use aspen shavings, and they are much more dusty than the hig-end pine I was using! I am just about ready for my next bag, running low, and on the fence about which to buy.

[jglass38]

I found this article. Not sure how much I believe Debbie "The Rat Lady" but take it for what its worth.

http://www.ratfanclub.org/litters.html

[Evan Jamison]

I think it matters highly on how the shavings are processed before they are packaged. I have used cheap pine that was VERY dusty and seemed to cause a little respiratory distress for the rodents. I have also used high-end, very thin, well-screened and kiln-dried pine that had NO dust, caused no problems and absorbed better than any other bedding I've used before (but it isn't cheap). A local herper has been using the same stuff on his rodent colony for almost 20 years, and he has the healthiest (and largest) colony I've ever seen. He has also kept thousands of snakes on the same shavings for years with no Ill effects.

That said, I've actually switched over to a shredded paper bedding that also has no dust whatsoever, absorbs very well, and is cheaper than most shavings.

-Evan

[jglass38]

I've actually switched over to a shredded paper bedding that also has no dust whatsoever, absorbs very well, and is cheaper than most shavings.

-Evan

Where are you getting the paper bedding from? How does it do with smell?

[monk90222]

shredded paper bedding -Evan

What is the brand name of that? Can you buy in bulk?


I switched from Aspen to Pine also. I have not noticed any sneezing or other respiratory issues. The pine I use is really dusty also (almost 1/2 sawdust). I use about a full 2.8 cu ft bag per cleaning, so the pine really fits in my budget.

[Freakie_frog]

Thanks for this thread guys I also just started breeding my rats and was wondering this..
I am doing the whole vanilla in the water thing so I see how that goes. but would love something a little better than aspen for the weekly smell. I have been keeping hold over that did not get eaten for years now but they never stayed more than a week. My question is would the oil from the pine effect pinkies??

[monk90222]

My question is would the oil from the pine effect pinkies??

So far in my experience with pine all is well and good with the pinkies...I personally think pine smells better than aspen also!!