To make pine a little safer, let it air out for a week or two to allow the oils to evaporate. Gerbils are usually on their litter/bedding for 3 - 5 weeks while other rodents are on theirs for 1- 2 weeks and are more likely to be affected by it. This would explain how many were able to raise gerbils on pine, years ago before other types of litters were used. There is a study on the toxicity of pine on the web, but if I recall correctly, fresh litter was used everyday. Gary. http://home.talkcity.com/StudioDr/go5/
