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Using Woodstove Pellets as Litter Rabbit owners are often searching for cheap, safe and absorbent litter options. The cost of pet litter can be a big expense, especially when you live in a multi-rabbit household. One product to consider is not even marketed as a litter. Woodstove pellets have proven to be a very inexpensive ($3.99 for 25 kg) and odour reducing litter. These pellets are traditionally used as fuel for woodstoves and are comprised of sawdust that is compressed into pellets. Woodstove pellets turn into sawdust when they become moist. Therefore, they are not recommended for rabbits who dig in their litterboxes, or for rabbits who like to eat their litter. For easy clean up, line the litterbox with newspaper, then add some wood pellets over top. When the box is ready to be changed, roll up the paper liner with the pellets in it, and rinse the box with white vinegar. Wood litter has been a topic of controversy for many years with rabbit owners. It is believed that softwood shavings, such as pine or cedar, have been linked to respiratory, liver and kidney problems in small animals. Unlike softwood shavings, the phenols (natural volatile chemicals in the wood which may cause health problems) are removed during the pellet manufacturing process. It is still essential to read the label, though. Only pellets that have no additives or accelerants should be used as litter. If you are unsure of ingredients in the pellets that are available in your area, check out the company on the Internet. The following link provides phone numbers to call for more information: http://www.pelletheat.org/fuel/fuel.html?members.shtml~main. Woodstove pellets are only usually available during the winter months. You can find them at some home improvement stores such as The Building Box and Home Depot, and stores that sell woodstoves. |
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