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cedar!?!

cornsnake234

cornsnake234

New member
I've read old threads about mice breeding and it was often mentionned that cedar was not a good bedding... i didn't know it, and i'm a little bit concerned about that because i started my own mice colony last week and they are housed on pine/cedar shavings for the moment. :eek1: i wish to change it for another type of bedding, what would you recommend me!? and can you tell me more about cedar and his bad effects?

Thanks
 
I don't know anything about negative effects of cedar. But if you are concerned a good bedding is saw chips. cheap too.

Acradon
 
I know cedar has very harmful effects on reptiles because of it's noxious fumes. I would think the same for small mammals. i think many people keep larger mammals (such as guinea pigs and rabbits) on cedar with no incident, but animals as small as mice might have a hard time breathing properly with the strong oils of cedar present.
 
I use a little bit of cedar in the litter mix of my mouse cages as it helps to deodorize the aquariums they're in. However, I don't use primarily cedar, just enough to lightly cover the bottom and I can barely smell it when I'm done with the other products.

I use primarily pine and aspen in my mouse colonies. I use this order: cover the bottom with World's Best Cat Litter (made from corn and super absorbant), small amount of cedar (1 handful), pine to cover the cedar, 1-2 inches of aspen, a sprinkling of care fresh in the corners. Since using this combination, it's been 2 weeks since I last cleaned them out, and no mousey odor so far =D

Anyway, with using this small amount I haven't noticed any problems so far with my mice.



As for guinea pigs I've always read and been warned to NEVER keep them on cedar. I saw it first hand as my best friend killed her first guinea pig within a week on cedar. They're extremely sensitive to the fumes and oils. I always kept mine on pine or stable shavings instead and never had a problem.
 
I would highly advise against pine or cedar bedding. This is because of the oils (the same ones that make them smell nice) they contain are toxic to small animals. Having said that, I know breeders that have used pine for years with no ill effects. However, if you are just starting out why take the chance.

What I recommend is Aspen shavings or Aspen Pellets. Aspen is considerably more absorbent then pine or cedar. It is also naturally mold resistant. What I use is Aspen Supreme Pellets Pet & Bird All Natural Litter/Bedding made by Green Pet. This is over 500% more absorbent then pine or cedar. Not only that I have yet to find a better product to control the odor. All of my breeding colonies are in 12 quart Stirilite tubs. Depending on how many litters/babies there are I only have to change them ever 7-10 days. I have even gone as long as 14 days on some new colonies before there was even a hint of odor.

Just my $0.03
Jeff C.
 
I've raised hamsters for years and years. I've always used primarily cedar without a problem. The only thing that could deter someone from using cedar to raise feeding mice is the smell it puts on the mice. The smell is extremely strong, whether they have fur or not. I'm not sure if this would be too fragrant for your snake or not, but I do know that mice do not have a problem living with cedar bedding.
 
Staggnant said:
I've raised hamsters for years and years. I've always used primarily cedar without a problem. The only thing that could deter someone from using cedar to raise feeding mice is the smell it puts on the mice. The smell is extremely strong, whether they have fur or not. I'm not sure if this would be too fragrant for your snake or not, but I do know that mice do not have a problem living with cedar bedding.
Click to expand...

I have to strongly Disagree with this. Cedar bedding KILLS mice dead!!!! If need be I can post links of numerous research studies that PROOVE this fact. You have been very lucky with your hamsters but please don't make statements like "I do know that mice do not have a problem living with cedar bedding." This is very misleading to people starting out with feeder mice. Not to mention it being simply false information.

Jeff C.
 
The cedar in the US is not true Cedar, its a form of Juniper tree. The only true cedar is in Japan. Different types of Juniper what we call cedar trees do have some toxic levels we know of to insects and reptiles. I work with different types of Juniper (cedar) because I make incense with it. I also make a bug spray with it, because it does have high levels of natural toxic qualities.

I would not use juniper for any type of live spieces unless I plan on killing it. :) As they say its better to be safe then sorry.
 
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