so i just switched my hedgehog from carefresh paper bedding to

How's your hedgehog's breathing now?

There is strong scientific evidence that pine and cedar shavings are harmful to the health of rodents. Both these softwood shavings give off aromatic hydrocarbons (phenols) and acids that are toxic. The phenols, which give the shavings their scent, are the reason that cedar repels fleas and moths and why pine-oil is the major ingredient in Pine-sol brand disinfectant. When animals are exposed to softwood shavings the aromatic hydrocarbons are absorbed through the respiratory tract and enter the blood.

The acids given off by pine and cedar shavings are very damaging to the respiratory tract. These acids can actually destroy cells that line the lungs and trachea. Many owners of pet rats have reported the improvement of respiratory problems when they have switched their pets to a bedding other than pine or cedar shavings.

>>2287288
What about aspen shavings?

>>2287332
Not the guy you replied to but I used aspen for years with my hedgehog. It should be fine as long as you keep it clean and check your hedgehog for mites. My hog loved to dig herself under it all in her little house. I put a lot in and had a decent sized cage so she could bury herself easily.

Definitely get your buddy away from pine and cedar though. Just like the other dude said.

>>2287332
Aspen does not have that problem. Will not cause repiratory distress.

>>2287332
I don't know about hedgehogs but aspen is the only wood shaving bedding you can use with rats, so probably fine.