>I personally don't think it is worth the risk to >change bedding with small pups involved. No matter the >temperament of the mother, the four hours or so she >may leave the pups unattended could be detrimental to >health in a more drastic way than three weeks on pine. > >
Just my two cents. But it really just seems to depend more on the gerbil. I have one gerbil who does fine on pine, but when switched to Aspen, started to have problems. Even his first litter did fine on pine, before I realized my "error" and switched it to Aspen at the 3 week mark. I now wonder if this is why the pup got a respiratory infection and died. He showed no sign of rubbing his nose, like his pa, but no matter how much treatment and care, he did not make it. Don't fret the next few weeks too much. Pups really aren't in danger until the 4 week mark - that's when most seem to come down with symptoms. Good luck with your litter! -Jackie
