my mumble making the big time?? pic included

[monarc23]

Quote:
for shavings i use Aspen, it's the best kind of shavings I know of that aren't harmful to respiratory systems, other than that theres carefresh, yesterdays news (though i'd' worry the birds would eat that

) to name a few

 

[TXmom]

Absolutley BEAUTIFUL birds! I hope my Silkies grow up to be that pretty

Mine are only 2 weeks old right now, so it's hard to tell. I don't know what show-quality standards are...I guess you'll have to look it up to find out exactly what the judges will be looking for.

I use pine shavings...I thought that's what almost everybody here uses...I've never seen Aspen shavings but I could look for it if it's that much better.

 

[monarc23]

Quote:
at most tractor supply stores you can get it

"Based on the studies that implicate the compounds from cedar in allergic and respiratory diseases as well as the impact on liver enzymes, it seems it may well be prudent to avoid cedar shavings as bedding or litter, especially since alternatives are available.

With pine shavings, the problem isn't as clear cut. Pine shavings emit similar volatile compounds as cedar, but the risks aren't clear. It is thought that heat treating pine shavings may reduce the levels of aromatic hydrocarbons that have been implicated as a potential concern, so that products such as kiln dried pine are safe (many pet products are heat treated).

Since the information about the problems is circumstantial and hasn't been evaluated in the context of health problems in exotic pets, I'm hesitant to make firm recommendations. That said, it has been my personal choice to avoid cedar; I have used pine in the past, though recently I have been trying out many of the alternatives available "

From: http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/guineapigs/a/woodshavings.htm

"
Cedar and Pine Shavings
These are very bad for your rabbit and other pets. The aromatic hydrocarbons produced from softwood beddings can cause both respiratory and liver damage in rabbits and other small animals. Use organic litter in the litter box and put newspaper in the cage tray."

From: http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/medical.html#shavings


"When you open a container of pine or cedar shavings you will instantly smell the "aromatic" nature of the litter. That smell is where the the problem lies. The odor is from the natural volatile chemicals in the wood called phenols. Thus one of your best detection methods for determining an unknown bag of shavings is your own nose! This odor, and the phenols that cause it, are not found to the same amount in hardwood shavings, thus hardwood shavings, aspen being one of the most common, are considered a much safer litter material and can be recommended for rabbits and other small animals"

From: http://www.rabbit.org/care/shavings.html


use what you want guys iim just telling you incase you'd like to change if not by all means keep using it some have had NO adverse reactions from using pine or even cedar bedding but theres always that risk.

 

[stumble_n_mumble]

Quote:
thanks so much! they are the best birds i could i ask for. They are my first ever birds and my only so they get very spoiled. it is about 20 degrees out everyday and i just couldnt bear to see them outside lol. so thats why they are!. i am hoping to get more silkies! more COLORS :-D and possibly some mandarin ducks cause i love them!! :-D!! anyway i will check with the shavings cause i havent seen anything else. but i have caught the duck occasionally nibbling on it lol. thanks everyone!!! :-D

 

[pipermark]

You should visit a show. I am not sure where you are in New York, but if you are close to border states, you should check them as well. The shows I have attended, with and without chickens, have been informative and time well spent , with good people.

By the way , I usually enter a bird, even if I know it dose not have a chance to win, I do it to support the show (there is a fee for entering). I have never been to a show that charges an admission fee so entrance fees and refreshment sales are usually what they count on.