When one of my rescue females gave birth, I frequently found bits of tissue
(unscented, undyed) clogging their nostrils. I had to regularly clear the
nostrils on several babies from birth to almost 2 weeks old. They would
often resort to breathing out of their mouth because of the blockage.
Also, anything with cotton or wool is dangerous to any animal, not only
nursing babies. Adults can ingest the fibers and end up with an intestinal
obstruction. They, like babies, can also get fibers wound around limbs and
circulation can be cut off.
Jill
----------
> From: Deb Rebel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Re: Peat Bedding Question
> Date: Saturday, June 09, 2001 7:26 PM
>
> Corn fluff is a natural fiber. It is the husk covering the
corn
> on the cob that are dried. It is closer to the natural material that
gerbils
> use in the wild. Anyrthing with cotton or wool is dangerous for nursing
> babies. Also toliet paper is fatal to little babies just born.
>
> ??? I've not had a fatality yet linked to unscented undyed toilet
> tissue. Would you elaborate please?
>
> understand your concern about caring for the gerbils. I have been
> caring for
> the little guys for over ten years now. You can take my word that they
are
> not harmed. Otherwise why would I subscribe to this mailing list, but to
> help others take care of their gerbils. There are too many dangerous
stuff
> on the pet supplies market today.
>
> My comment on the dissolve test still stands. I don't use anything
> for bedding and nest material in my tanks UNLESS it will pass the
> twenty minute soak/dissolve test.
>
> [My hubby's allergic to pine and I couldn't afford aspen or carefresh,
> so I use a shredded recycled paper product (soft rip edges not cut)
> that looks like old mushmances and phonebooks.]
>
> Deb
> Rebel's Rodent Ranch
