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Post by Nathan Pearson on May 9, 2007 18:55:15 GMT
This is a big debate amongst rat owners. Is sawdust safe as a bedding/cage floor material. Ive used it for almost 2 years with my rats and ive never had a problem, Some people say that the dust causes breathing problems and i can see what they mean so i get dust extracted saw dust. What do you think? And whats a good alternative
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Post by nattybob on May 9, 2007 19:11:10 GMT
I always used Sawdust, and never had any problems, however, if you are worried, Hay would probably be a good substitute, or shredded paper (I used newspaper as a bedding, but thinking back, the ink may be a problem, but plain paper may be okay....)
Nathan ;D
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Post by Nathan Pearson on May 9, 2007 19:21:37 GMT
Although you have to be careful with shreeded newspaper if they eat it it could poison them. you can however geta paper bedding from pets at home and soon my shop online
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Post by swiftvalley on May 9, 2007 19:52:41 GMT
As a rat owner for over 10 years i have always kept my rats on shavings. I have had many a discussion /argument due to what i use for the substrate in my cages. To this day i have not encountered any health problem with any of my rats, either adults or babies.
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Post by louise on May 18, 2007 13:53:50 GMT
I'm not sure about sawdust, I think it's fine. However, just a warning that a suitable substitute is NOT that fluff stuff you can get. It is too fibrous and can get wrapped around little toes and tails. Also, I used to have a hamster who enjoyed eating it and as a result died a very painful little death. Knowing how ratties like to eat anything we put in the cage, this seems like a certain danger with them too...
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xxjackyxx
Chattie Rattie
Loving rats always
Posts: 80
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Post by xxjackyxx on May 20, 2007 20:38:00 GMT
how can you have dust extracted sawdust...........its all dust lol
I use wood shavings in show tanks but i use megazorb in the cages (havent had a smelly bag yet lol) I think if i didnt use megazorb i would use shavings but not sawdust.
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Post by swiftvalley on May 21, 2007 7:49:06 GMT
Sawdust is exactly that Jacky, your right, just dust.
I found some fab shavings at my local equine place, its called bedmax and its big thick chunky slices and not the regular little fluffy curls you can get elsewhere. The rats love it, its not dusty at all and surprisingly enough the slices are too big for the rats to try and poke them through the bars of the cage, so less mess on the floor. Lol
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xxjackyxx
Chattie Rattie
Loving rats always
Posts: 80
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Post by xxjackyxx on May 21, 2007 8:52:47 GMT
sounds good stuff. I like the megazorb but it is messy lol, one punch up and it's everywhere
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Post by swiftvalley on May 21, 2007 9:42:57 GMT
I did try megazorb and loved it, but unfortunately my rats didnt. ....
Ah well you dont know if you dont try do you.?
X
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xxjackyxx
Chattie Rattie
Loving rats always
Posts: 80
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Post by xxjackyxx on May 21, 2007 10:56:44 GMT
true. How many people keep a broom and a dustpan and brush in their bedroom i wonder lol
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Post by swiftvalley on May 21, 2007 13:41:54 GMT
;D
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Post by Nathan Pearson on May 21, 2007 16:08:15 GMT
Yeah i do lol
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xxjackyxx
Chattie Rattie
Loving rats always
Posts: 80
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Post by xxjackyxx on May 21, 2007 16:52:59 GMT
i think any rat owner with bedroom rats does lol but 'normal' or 'abnormal' people that dont keep rats would think its wierd lol
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Post by hollythesponge on Jul 8, 2007 19:02:32 GMT
SHAVINGS!!nooooooooooooooooo!!!!!! it killed my friends rat! it got lung infection from 'dust free' shavings!
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Post by hollythesponge on Jul 8, 2007 19:04:13 GMT
i use shredded paper free from my local college it is unwanted and i err.....recycle it in the rats cage
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