Sketchy Lemon Scented Bedding

[jessucanoel]

So I ran out of bedding today and went to my normal pet store and grabbed what I thought was my normal wood (aspen, I believe) bedding. But when I got home I looked closer and realized it's lemon scented! I went back to the store and they said it was all they had available and that it's ok, but obviously I am not so sure. I have never come across this before. I bought three packages and of course, it being Italy, no refunds. :banghead:

The bag says it's lemon scented (essential oil) natural softwood chips.

What's the verdict? Are my suspicions correct, is this bad for chinnies?

(bonus question: is it bad for roborovski hamsters too?)

Before anyone asks, I HAVE NOT put this in their cage yet and won't unless I get an all clear for you all

 

[Stackie]

I would not use anything scented for my chins, especially artificial scent & bedding. Scented stuff can really upset their respiratory systems.

 

[Lindz]

Personally, I wouldn't risk it. I'm not sure what would be worse, actual essential oils or artificial scents.. but essential oils are generally very strong, and lemon just seems stupid to scent animal bedding with. I dunno if lemon essential oil has any of the acidity of lemons, but ya. It could definitely be irritating to their skin, and mess up the respiratory system.

No clue about hamsters. Haven't had one since I was about 12.

Sucks that you can't get a refund. Do they do returns for store credit? Maybe you could exchange it for something else when they get something less questionable in stock.

 

[InkedupTara]

I would not use it for either animal. Sorry! That really sucks about the no refund

 

[jessucanoel]

Yeah I'm just going to chuck it into the garbage. I opened up one of the bags and it's REALLY intense-like lemon floor cleaner! If it gives me a headache I can't imagine what it would do to them. Why are companies so fricking ignorant?! I think I am just going to order fleece liners and be done with it. I am so sick of never being able to get the stuff I need here consistently. I don't know what I'll do if they stop carrying oxbow

Yeah the sales policies here are very strange. There is just no such thing as refunds here except at big foreign chains like H&M, but even there you are limited to exchanges. The only exceptions I've seen is if you know the store owner *really* well, like they are family-lol.

Oh well.

Thanks for confirming my suspicions...