Super Pet - Kaytee products = PINE

[kelsey514]

Hopefully this is the right place to post!

I've been searching for some nice safe chew toys for my rats, since I got a new CN and have tons of space for big ones! I have seen many recommendations for the Snak Shak but some don't use it because of the pine. I know a lot of people use the Tropical Fiddle Sticks (the rainbow bendy logs) or other Super Pet wood products and I wanted to get one! I called their customer service, and was told that ALL of their wood products are made either with pine or fir (which are, according to Wikipedia, most closely related to cedar). She told me that the only product that wasn't one of those woods, was the Apple Orchard sticks.

Pretty boring! They like the apple wood sticks but get sick of them easily. I'm still looking for an entertaining safe chew toy for my girls (and boys that are coming home soon!) I know that some people hang the wood toys so that they don't get peed on and release less phenols, but my girls don't seem to like hanging stuff and they pee on everything!

Just wanted to let everyone know. And if anyone knows of a brand that has some good wooden toys that are not pine/cedar, please let me know!

 

[Rattus]

I have used the large snak shaks many times and the large logs, my rats went crazy for them and spent hours chewing them or eating the straw on the roof. I guess every little bit counts when they are exposed to pine or cedar but I dont find any of my rats ever became sick because of these products, I guess in the end to each their own. I get them a lot of wood toys but I have never used cedar or pine bedding.

P.S If you know what the Chewbular tunnel toys are there is that for a chewing option. Not all rats like them but it is a huge cardboard tunnel. I had 2 males where I went through those tunnels every 2 weeks!!! they'd spend HOURS ripping the heck out of it! they loved it.. and got mad when there was nothing left LOL :giggle:

 

[victoria]

I think pine chew toys are not as risky as pine shavings because there isn't as much exposed surface area for the phenols to evaporate and become airborne. Also, I would think that Snak Shak and similar products have been very processed, losing at least some of the phenols.

There are many bird and bunny toys that are made of safe materials. My rats (and rabbits) enjoy these http://montrealcritters.com/store/willow-bundle and many of the Oxbow Timothy mats and hidey spots. Loofah and lava chews like these http://montrealcritters.com/store/combo ... ear-slices and http://montrealcritters.com/store/lava-landings have been a huge hit with some of my rats as well.