alternative uses for pine bedding?

Question

I always used pine bedding for my hamsters when I was a kid... recently got a pair of bunnies and, although I did some research before buying them, I failed to come across any info that said "don't use pine bedding".  it was WAY cheaper than any of the non-wood-chip type beddings at the pet store, so I bought the biggest bag they offered.

when I got the bunnies home, I opened the bag of pine bedding and used a small portion of it in their cage... then returned to learning more about my new pets online and promptly discovered that pine bedding is a no-no, so I made a trip to walmart where the rabbit-friendly types of bedding are much cheaper than they were at the pet store.

now I've got this huge bag of pine bedding that I can't use for my bunnies and since I opened it and used some, I obviously can't return it to the pet store.  I don't know anyone who has pets that *can* use pine shavings and I don't want to throw away a huge bag of perfectly good bedding ><

does anyone know of any good alternative uses for it around the home?  or whether animal shelters might be interested in accepting an opened but barely used bag as a donation?

Kate M · Accepted Answer

You could try donating it to a large animal rescue. They tend to use wood shavings for their animals and always need them. 
Horse barns and stables also will use it. 
You can try selling it on Kijiji or Craigslist. Say that it is open, but you only used a bit of it and include a picture to show how much is still there.

For what to use instead, I like fleece blankets. They are safe to use and won't have loose threads like a towel. They aren't too expensive either, you can also go to a fabric store and just buy some fleece. Get enough so you have 2 sets for you cage so there is one in the cage while the other is getting washed. They last years (I have some that are 5 years old and still doing well other than a few holes). 
In the litter box or pee area, I like wood pellets. They are compressed saw dust and due to the manufacturing process they are safe for rabbits. You can get them as wood stove pellets, horse stall bedding or cat litter. You don't need a lot, I only use enough to just cover the bottom of the litter box. You can also use paper pellets or other paper litters, but they tend to be more expensive. Avoid clay or clumping litters and most cat litters since they are not safe for rabbits.

Anonymous · Answer

Dont use cedar, no matter what. Alot of rodents are allergic to them and Carefresh is a fairly good brand , shredded newspaper works, anything like that.

? · Answer

Use it in a garden or flowerbed as mulch. We have pine trees and use the needles in the flowerbeds.

Trending News

alternative uses for pine bedding?

3 Answers