If there is one mistake that pet stores and first-time gerbil owners make, it is using either cedar or pine bedding. Both types are very dangerous to gerbils. In this week's tip, we'll discuss the consequences of using cedar or pine bedding and provide several better alternatives.

• corncob bedding - fairly safe
• Carefresh - fairly safe with no oils, but quite dusty
• Carefresh Ultra - virtually no dust and no oils, but make sure the bleaching process doesn't affect your gerbils
• aspen - the only safe wooden bedding, but some gerbils and people are allergic to it
• pine - NOT SAFE
• cedar - NOT SAFE

As you can see from the list above, not all types of bedding are safe for gerbils. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Also, gerbils are like people in that different gerbils have different allergies. One person may be allergic to peanuts while another is allergic to bee stings.

Similarly, one gerbil may be allergic to aspen bedding while another has problems on corncob and yet another doesn't tolerate Carefresh's dust. One common sign of allergy is a sore nose, such as the one shown in the photo to the left. Read on for more information.

The Dangers of Pine & Cedar

There are many dangers associated with pine and cedar, such as allergies, respiratory infections, tumors, kidney failure, and liver damage. For more information, see the links below:

• Triange Ferret Lovers has a scientific study of the effects of cedar and pine.
• The Rat Fan Club has a detailed article about the effects of pine and cedar.
• Dani Clan's Pine Kills! site details first-hand tragedies of raising pups on pine bedding.
• Rodent Fancy has an excellent article about the dangers of cedar and pine bedding. Did you know that these shavings are dangerous to cats, too?

This depends upon your gerbil. Below is a summary of each:

• aspen - PROS: soft, absorbs odors well. CONS: Gerbils may experience allergies. Listen for coughing, sneezing, or clicking. Watch for sore noses.
• Carefresh - PROS: soft, no oils, absorbs odors fairly well. CONS: very dusty. Watch for sore noses. Listen for sneezing, coughing, or clicking.
• Carefresh Ultra - PROS: soft, virtually dust free, white color makes it easy to see early signs of diahrrea or discharge. CONS: Some type of whitening process is involved. Watch your gerbils for sore noses, bloating, or any other signs of irritation to the bleaching process.
• corncob - PROS: only a few gerbils are allergic to it. CONS: It grows a dangerous mold if wet, so make sure the water bottle doesn't leak. Gerbils can't burrow in it as well as in wood- or paper-based beddings.

The four beddings above are all safe for most gerbils. Pick one and see how your gerbils do with it. Just remember to never, ever use cedar or pine bedding.