Post by Darren Lim on Mar 9, 2004 23:56:29 GMT -5
Bedding FAQ
Common acceptable forms of bedding:
-kiln dried pine
-aspen
-Carefresh
Unacceptable:
-cedar
-clay pelleted
-clumping or scented litter
There are a few things to consider when selecting bedding and/or litter for your chinchilla's cage.
1) If it's bedding, is it comfortable?
2) Does it irritate their noses, skin or lungs?
3) Is it safe to be ingested?
With chins spending the majority of their time in their cages, bedding considerations are very important. It is similar to the arguement that as humans, we spend 1/3 or our lives in bed asleep, so our beds should be comfy. The same can be said for our chins. Each person has their own opinions and likes when it comes to bedding. There are some basic health and safety issues that need to be taken into account when making a bedding/litter choice. Remember, your chin explores the world with it's mouth, so if it's in reach they will invariably try to taste it at LEAST once.
Things to avoid:
-Any bedding or litter that contains phenols (such as cedar). Phenols are dangerous to the respiratory health of small animals, including chins, and can lead to death when exposure is consistent. When choosing a wood based bedding, be sure that it contains no phenols. Kiln dried Pine or Aspen are best. Under no circumstances should you use cedar. The pet industry markets cedar because it smells good to US. It however is not healthy for your pet.
-Any bedding or litter that clumps or expands when it gets wet. This is important because if your animal eats the product, and it expands in the digestive tract, it can cause impaction. Impaction means a very expensive trip to the vet which can lead to death for your chinchilla. If you choose to use some of the odour absorbing litters, ensure that your chin does not have access to them, and limit it to use in the pullout pan. If your chin can touch the litter, or sit in it, they can eat it.
-Any litters made of clay or that have been fragranced. Chin noses are sensitive. We need to remember, just because it smells good to us, doesn't mean it smells good to our pets.
Common acceptable forms of bedding:
-kiln dried pine
-aspen
-Carefresh
Unacceptable:
-cedar
-clay pelleted
-clumping or scented litter
There are a few things to consider when selecting bedding and/or litter for your chinchilla's cage.
1) If it's bedding, is it comfortable?
2) Does it irritate their noses, skin or lungs?
3) Is it safe to be ingested?
With chins spending the majority of their time in their cages, bedding considerations are very important. It is similar to the arguement that as humans, we spend 1/3 or our lives in bed asleep, so our beds should be comfy. The same can be said for our chins. Each person has their own opinions and likes when it comes to bedding. There are some basic health and safety issues that need to be taken into account when making a bedding/litter choice. Remember, your chin explores the world with it's mouth, so if it's in reach they will invariably try to taste it at LEAST once.
Things to avoid:
-Any bedding or litter that contains phenols (such as cedar). Phenols are dangerous to the respiratory health of small animals, including chins, and can lead to death when exposure is consistent. When choosing a wood based bedding, be sure that it contains no phenols. Kiln dried Pine or Aspen are best. Under no circumstances should you use cedar. The pet industry markets cedar because it smells good to US. It however is not healthy for your pet.
-Any bedding or litter that clumps or expands when it gets wet. This is important because if your animal eats the product, and it expands in the digestive tract, it can cause impaction. Impaction means a very expensive trip to the vet which can lead to death for your chinchilla. If you choose to use some of the odour absorbing litters, ensure that your chin does not have access to them, and limit it to use in the pullout pan. If your chin can touch the litter, or sit in it, they can eat it.
-Any litters made of clay or that have been fragranced. Chin noses are sensitive. We need to remember, just because it smells good to us, doesn't mean it smells good to our pets.