couple of questions for Itsy

[Squeak]

I have written in the past about the 10 mo. old squirrel I am rehabbing that was bitten by a squirrel in his neck and flank. He is thriving but still has a bit of a balance problem. I have asthma and in the last month it has seem to have gotten worse and am wondering if it is coming from the cedar shaving that Itsy kicks up in his Critter Nation cage. Is there anything else I can use other than the white Cedar shavings to line Itsy's cage? Also, Itsy LOVES acorns like his brothers, sisters and Mom eat outside in my lawn. I have read so many horrible stories about acorns, are they safe? I certainly don't want to poison him!!! This little buddy has changed my life. I am a widow of one year and this baby came into my life when I needed him most and fills my day with joy. Thanks for all of the past help, what wonderful, caring people you are!

[CritterMom]

The aromatic oils in the cedar shavings are actually not good for rodents - and some humans. If you MUST use a loose bedding, the Carefresh is the best - and since it is made of paper it may not bother you.

I have a Critter Nation for my flyer. For the bottom of the cage, I take the plastic tray out and cover it tightly with a twin bedsheet. I fold it into quarters, smooth it out, lay the tray upside down on it, and use masking tape to tape the sheet to the back of the tray so when I turn it over it is nice and tight. It presents a smooth surface that I can sweep off with a little wisk broom. For burrowing, I take pieces of fleece and chop them into pieces about a foot square and just dump piles of them in there. Every morning I take those out, giving each one a shake inside the cage, and then sweep the bottom up. Once or twice a week the fleece pieces go into a lingerie bag and get tossed in the washing machine, and once a week I yank the tray, take off the tape, and replace with a clean sheet. :thumbsup

Acorns...fresh off the tree are ok. Sitting on the ground and they have likely gone bad. Don't even try to keep them - neither freezing them nor trying to dry them are 100% safe. If you lay a sheet or tarp under the oak tree you will know that the acorns you find on it have JUST fallen and are still fresh. However I will say that despite the fact that I am almost knee deep in them this year, I no longer feed ANY acorns to my guys. I like to be EXTRA sure...

[Squeak]

The aromatic oils in the cedar shavings are actually not good for rodents - and some humans. If you MUST use a loose bedding, the Carefresh is the best - and since it is made of paper it may not bother you.

I have a Critter Nation for my flyer. For the bottom of the cage, I take the plastic tray out and cover it tightly with a twin bedsheet. I fold it into quarters, smooth it out, lay the tray upside down on it, and use masking tape to tape the sheet to the back of the tray so when I turn it over it is nice and tight. It presents a smooth surface that I can sweep off with a little wisk broom. For burrowing, I take pieces of fleece and chop them into pieces about a foot square and just dump piles of them in there. Every morning I take those out, giving each one a shake inside the cage, and then sweep the bottom up. Once or twice a week the fleece pieces go into a lingerie bag and get tossed in the washing machine, and once a week I yank the tray, take off the tape, and replace with a clean sheet. :thumbsup

Acorns...fresh off the tree are ok. Sitting on the ground and they have likely gone bad. Don't even try to keep them - neither freezing them nor trying to dry them are 100% safe. If you lay a sheet or tarp under the oak tree you will know that the acorns you find on it have JUST fallen and are still fresh. However I will say that despite the fact that I am almost knee deep in them this year, I no longer feed ANY acorns to my guys. I like to be EXTRA sure...

Thank you so much!!!! You have been so helpful!!!

[SammysMom]

I always put a box like a small catbox in the bottom of the Critter Nation and Sammy has used it for his potty box right from the start.

[Mommaluvy]

Both answers good advice.

Triple ditto on cedar causing respiratory issues. I don't even know why they still seek it for animal uses.