Woodshavings Or Not To Woodshavings?...that Is The Question

[Reddybex]

I've been reading the info on ideal habitats from rescue centre websites and they all warn against woodshavings yet the alternatives seem to be quite expensive in comparison. Not that it really matters in the long run but I wondered what is recommended in this forum? I've also watched a number of YouTube videos and they all seem to have woodshavings. Confused.com lol

 

[eileen]

Woodshavings are safe as long as you have dust extracted shavings,it is the volatile oils that cause the problem.it is suggested that this causes respiratory issues,and increased liver enzymes but it is by no means definitive.i do not use shavings as i found they are not as absorbent as other beddings and actually was costing more,in money and time !i use mainly hemp bedding and megazorb.it has proved to be easier for myself,i only need to change bedding once a week.it is a personal choice for what you and your piggies prefere.if you click on the guides there is one on overview on bedding.if you continue to use woodshavings it is recommended you place hay over the top,to help with the oils !

 

[Reddybex]

Thanks @eileen I've had a read, thanks for the advice. I didn't realise it was the oils that were the issue

 

[Tiamolly123]

On woodshavings mine did nothing more than cough,

 

[Reddybex]

Jerry has been on woodshavings with hay and he's not reacted to it at all - doesn't seem to bother him. I'l try out some alternatives tho once I've finished what's left

 

[flowerfairy]

Mine have hemp bedding (hemparade) from zooplus and lots of hay in their hay trays (lino and fleece in the rest of the cage). I find the hemp bedding very absorbent.

 

[jayne]

Mine guinea pigs are on carefresh bedding for they toilet I find it better than sawdust !

 

[SunshinePiggy]

Sunshine has woodshavings but I wouldn't recommend it I use Cheap Store brand so there odorless and non dusty

 

[Freela]

We use paper bedding, as after years of having small pets on wood shavings as a child I have developed serious allergies to them. It is more expensive, though, for sure, but one thing to consider is that they absorb a lot better and so you don't go through as much. Another alternative is to use fleece, which involved more washing but eliminates the need for a disposable bedding altogether.

 

[Mother Hubbard]

I ran out of aubiose and had to use wood shavings for a few weeks, and to be honest, unless you are cleaning them out with fresh little every 3-4 days it's a flipping nightmare, I've literally just switched back to aubiose today and I tend to find it doesn't soak up the urine very well. The aubiose does this well indeed.