Wood shavings

[CB3fish]

I just bought a bail of Aspen wood shavings to put in with baby chicks. Reading that Cedar is fatal to baby chicks, any know if Aspen is safe??

 

[CB3fish]

I bought the shavings at a pet store but the bag had rabbits pictured on it!!?

 

[CB3fish]

I just called Petco HDQ in Calif and was informed they recommend these wood chips for hamsters. Soooooooooo, they will go back to the store and I will get Pine chips. hope this helps some one.

 

[Dayrel]

Aspen should actually be fine. It is primarily cedar shavings that you have to avoid.

It is all about the aromatic oils. The oils in cedar are fairly strong and cause harm in various animals if they are exposed over a long period of time.

Pine is far more common and cheaper and has minimal issues. Aspen is actually somewhat cleaner, but is also more expensive. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using the Aspen shavings. I use pine.

 

[lazy gardener]

Aspen should be fine. Going forward, you can most likely save a lot of money if you buy your shavings at a feed store. When you buy them, be sure to ask for the coarse shavings.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I prefer aspen to pine as it has very low odor of any kind, but it is more expensive than pine and a little harder to find so not the usual recommended option. I also have better luck finding aspen in larger flakes than pine, so my birds are a little less inclined to snack on it versus pine.

 

[CB3fish]

Thank y

Aspen should be fine. Going forward, you can most likely save a lot of money if you buy your shavings at a feed store. When you buy them, be sure to ask for the coarse shavings.

Aspen should actually be fine. It is primarily cedar shavings that you have to avoid.

It is all about the aromatic oils. The oils in cedar are fairly strong and cause harm in various animals if they are exposed over a long period of time.

Pine is far more common and cheaper and has minimal issues. Aspen is actually somewhat cleaner, but is also more expensive. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using the Aspen shavings. I use pine.

Thank you so much. Good to learn facts.

 

[Ducksandchickens]

I use aspen shavings when they are chicks or ducklings and the smell is sometimes horrendous. At least it keeps the little birdies safe but if you have a relative like I do that can’t stand bad smells then you will have a yelling match lol

 

[CB3fish]

Thank you for the information. It is good to have the facts.

 

[CB3fish]

I prefer aspen to pine as it has very low odor of any kind, but it is more expensive than pine and a little harder to find so not the usual recommended option. I also have better luck finding aspen in larger flakes than pine, so my birds are a little less inclined to snack on it versus pine.

Thank you so much. Good to learn.