Hello,

On many websites and books on rodents, we are strongly advised against buying pine, cedar and other softwood shavings for many small rodents, as they contain phenols, toxic essential oils that can be found, for example, in moth and fly repellent... Unfortunately, our rodents' noses are close to the ground, so they continually breathe in the phenols released by their bedding... These phenols can even spread through the rodent's skin. First of all, they are highly harmful to the lungs, as they have a caustic effect on them... What's more, the body defends itself against these phenols, so the animal's immune system is constantly active, which in the long term can lead to a general weakening and hence a shortened lifespan... Prolonged exposure to phenols may have carcinogenic and nervous system effects. Certain species, such as rats, seem to be more sensitive and more quickly "allergic" to wood shavings, but the risks are the same for all rodents.

When can we expect hemp or corn litter at Migros?