I’ve read that there is something about the aromatic aspect of pine that creates negative enzymes in their livers that can make them sick. I know that’s really vague and I’m a newbie when it comes to rabbits, but I would suggest researching it for yourself. It’s a highly discussed topic and it can be interesting to read the different opinions. However, I’ve decided that I’d rather not chance it and have replaced my bun’s pine shavings.

Pine shavings release phenols that alter a rabbits liver function. It can reduce the effectiveness of medications by 40% or more and may cause liver disease.Kiln drying removes the phenols so some pine products are safe, like pine pellets.

Personally I think shavings make lousy litter anyway. Pine pellets (wood stove pellets or equine stall pellets) are really cheap, effective and safe. Other litters like recycled newspaper pellet litters and Carefresh are also good.

Thanks MoveDiagonally! I couldn’t think of the proper word! Phenols. That’s what it is.

Pine shavings aren’t very absorbent, so that’s what MD meant. You can get pine pellet litter at pet stores (sold as cat litter) or a feed store (sold as horse stall bedding).

You can get pine pellets at a hardware store (untreated woodstove pellets) or at pet shops (FelinePine) or feed stores (Equine Pine, Dry Den, ect…). The cheapest is probably the hardware store. I buy mine at a feed store because it’s close to my house and get 50lbs for $4-5.

I just don’t like the wood shavings (Aspen shavings are bunny safe) as a matter preference. They just seem to lack absorption. I’m sure some people like bunny safe wood shavings.

Edited to add: LBJ said it before I could!

I heard pine are bad because they can cause respiratory problems… But I have heard nothing about Aspen shavings… Are Aspen shavings alright?

I think either of those would work. Do you know anyone that has a pellet stove? The pellets used for those (as long as they don’t have any fuel on them) is the same as the pine pellets and might be cheaper. Are there any hardware stores near you? That could be a good place to call or check as well.

hiskatey – Aspen shavings are fine.

If he eats the litter, you can make a litter screen out of hardware cloth (very small metal mesh fence-like material), which will block the litter, but allow liquids to still hit the litter. Just be sure to file and fold down the edges, as it is sharp if you do not.

Horse owners may also have access to pine pellets, as it is used as stall lining. If there are any horses around you. 

I recommend Carefresh, bet litter I have tried. Great with odors and way more absorbent than generic brands.

Hi Aeyja,

I am from NZ as well. The Warehouse sells something very similar to Carefresh. It is usually $11.99 for 14 liters but when I got some last Wednesday it was down to $3. Like Carefresh, it is made from virgin wood pulp, is dust free and has great odor control. 

Hope this helps 

Here is the link: http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/red/catalog/product/Healthy-Pet-Animal-Bedding-Small-14L?SKU=1711988

I use kiln dried pine shavings in my Californian’s litter box. I like it best out of everything I have used.

I did all the research, including scientific journals before deciding to try it a year or so ago. I did the reading because I did not understand why pine pellets were fine, but shavings were not. The kiln drying is the key.

Winston has a big litter box and I dump it every 3 days. He also eats his hay in there which I buy by the bale so I do not use it sparingly, covering the shavings with ample hay.

Other products cost more so I tried to use the litter more sparingly. I much prefer completely dumping the litter box into my compost pile, hosing it out and refilling the box with shavings and a thick layer of grass hay.

The recycled paper litter is just fine. It looks like it’s similar to Yesterday’s News.

Oh damn! I wish I had stocked up now! I’ve only had my bunny for a week so not sure how long a bag will last yet