Help! Pine bedding ok?

[widallas]

We are preparing to adopt two guinea pigs from a local rescue. (Thanks to this website for the cage idea and information -- we never would have a chosen such a large and suitable home without it!) I purchased a large bag of kiln-dried pine bedding, and have been airing it out before using it...we had planned to cover it with a light layer of carefresh as well to help with any remaining phenols. But the more I read, the more concerned I am about whether it is a good choice. Does anyone out there use pine, and are you happy with it as a bedding in general? How long to you air it out before using it? I'm just trying to muddle my way through this, so ANY help would be appreciated!!!

 

[pennick]

Why wouldnt you use aspen instead? You wouldn't have to worry about airing it out and covering it with carefresh. Many people here use kiln dried pine but wouldn't it be easier to just purchase apsen? Its the same price.

 

[Slap Maxwell]

Kiln-dried pine is safe. It is extra-safe if Carefresh is on top. I would personally us it but one of my females is allergic.

 

[widallas]

We are absolute newbies in the guinea-pig department. (I feel like I'm getting ready to have my first child again -- the worry about doing the right thing and not mucking it up!) When I was buying my supplies, the feed store guy recommended the pine since it was a huge bag and relatively inexpensive (and the aspen shavings they had were just a small bag). The next time I will definitely purchase aspen, but I'm looking for feedback on whether to go ahead and use the giant bag-o-pine shavings, or just cut my losses and buy a bag of aspen. Thanks for your response.

 

[widallas]

How do you know if they are allergic to the shavings?

 

[Slap Maxwell]

She was wheezing when I used it. It is very rare and I don't expect it will happen to you. If you are sure its kiln-dried it is definetilly safe to use.

 

[pennick]

Yes go ahead and use it, its fine. I couldnt stand the odor, it permeated my room so I switched to aspen and I am a happy camper. Whatever you like is fine.

 

[Piglet]

You can use it without any worry - kiln dried pine is ok.

 

[widallas]

Thanks again to those who responded -- I appreciate the reassurance.