<< 1) Do not use Cedar Shavings. >>
Please help me with this?? Do you know why you shouldn't use cedar?? I
have had gerbils for 24 years and have always used Cedar without any
trouble that I know of.
Thanks,
Tracy
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It is not recommended to use cedar shavings (Cedar are red and white
wood shavings) because many gerbils are allergic to it. Many develop red
sore noses. Gerbil mucus and tears are red, Its not blood on sore noses.
See 9/25/99 on journal 10--
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/4185/digfour/journalpage10.html
Cedar is also very aromatic due to the the oils in it, and laboratory
studies have determined it causes respiratory and liver problems.
See--
http://www.trifl.org/cedar.html
It is not recommended to use pine either, but pine can be made safer by
letting it air out in a box for a week before you use it.
The best litters to use are Aspen, Carefresh, Kiln dried pine (oils are
baked out as result), Corncob, plain paper mixed with cardboard,
tissues,napkins and paper towels.
Years ago, I also used cedar and recall having gerbils with sore noses.
At the time, I thought it was due to them packing the litter into the
corners. So I would remove the litter and give them paper. They then got
better.
--
Gary's web pages -
http://home.talkcity.com/StudioDr/go5
