Wood shavings

EmmaJ · 01-31-2015, 06:33 PM

Hi, just a quick question...

Is using wood shavings a bad choice?
I have read a few articles that have slated using wood shavings as substrate. But this is all I have ever used. Millie seems happy enough with it, but should I be using something else?

itswendy · 01-31-2015, 09:49 PM

Wood shavings should be fine as long as it's aspen and not pine or cedar. I've never heard anyone say that wood shavings in general were bad though. o:

crazyc4tlady · 01-31-2015, 11:51 PM

I've been using woodshavings that I got from The Range and they are pine, but they are kiln dried and I've heard that's okay. I haven't had any issues

barley · 02-01-2015, 02:21 PM

I use woodshavings for Rupert, the Bob Martin brand from B&M. They seem fine.

Angie B · 02-01-2015, 02:23 PM

I have also heard that if they are kiln dried they should be okay. I use them for my rabbits too, despite others' misgivings, but so far they're fine

Nat · 02-01-2015, 02:42 PM

I always used woodshavings and never had a problem with it. I've switched to Fitch now only because it's a lot more cost effective

EmmaJ · 02-02-2015, 02:17 AM

Ahh lovely. Thanks guys. It has put my mind at rest now lol. And i was wondering about the brand at b&m, im going to give that a go next.

Pebbles82 · 02-02-2015, 08:16 AM

I've been used Comfey pet shavings from local shop. Pine shavings in the Uk are kiln dried (by law I believe - but maybe someone else can confirm that) which removes phenols. Just make sure they say dust extracted and kiln dried. My hamster is fine with them and they don't bother my asthma and don't really smell. I am just trying fitch too but so far have just introduced a bit which Charlie has snaffled and used to line his nest. Still using the shavings for now. I did try some hemp substrate but couldn't get on with it and it did affect my asthma a bit, plus I wasn't keen on some of the woody bits - mine had some sharp bits in but others use hemp without a problem. I found the shavings softer. Fitch is very soft but still seems a bit like nesting material to me - but it is very popular.

Thin Lizzy · 02-02-2015, 08:49 AM

I've been using wood shavings for 15 years and I find Bob Martin's are really good.

racinghamster · 02-02-2015, 10:20 AM

The only time I wouldn`t use wood shavings would be if I kept mice or rats as they carry an organism called mycoplasma which seems to trigger if they are kept on anything strongly scented, like shavings.

For hamsters and gerbils, I`ve always used either Snowflake shavings or Pets At Home`s own brand (non-scented obviously!) and the trick with ALL shavings, is to remove the shavings from the bag, mix the shavings with your hands into an open storage box and allow the shavings to air out a good month before use. This helps reduce any fresh scent that can be too aromatic. So doing this really does help. x