Is Red Cedar Bedding Safe?

[pinkpiggy1989]

My boyfriends Mom has a 20lb bag of red cedar bedding that she was just going to throw away, and she asked if I wanted to use it for my chinchillas. I use fleece liner, but I use bedding for my litter boxes. Would this be safe to use for litter box bedding?

 

[RDZCRanch]

Cedar is toxic to most small animals, so no it is not safe in any form.

 

[pinkpiggy1989]

Cedar is toxic to most small animals, so no it is not safe in any form.

Okay, thanks! I knew it was either cedar or aspen which was toxic. I always got them confused. I'll just tell her to toss it out. Thanks again!

 

[starleomach]

Cedar is bad..bad bad cedar...

 

[Essentia]

As a side note, aspen is absolutely fine to use.

 

[kathiva]

I believe that cedar is bad for them because when the chins pee, toxins come out which are bad for the chins lungs, and I believe it is because cedar has more aroma than pine

 

[jamanalo]

I dont think it has to do with them peeing and the toxins being released. cedar is very aromatic wood. Its aromatic to repel insects. This is hazardous when in close quarters with a chinchilla because it can cause respiratory problems, as well as liver damage. This is caused by the high phenols in the wood.
I dont even know why they still produce cedar shavings for the small animal industry because many small animals are susceptible to these complications, and once an owner does find out of the potential dangers, many dont buy it. Just stay away from it, there are so many other better alternatives out there.

 

[MyLilPintoBean]

Don't necessarily throw it out... put some of the red cedar in a closet or attic to keep pests away!