For a long time in the 'cute and fuzzy' community, there has been a dispute going on.  This concerns bedding.  It has been proven for years that Cedar chips/shaving are HIGHLY TOXIC to animals.  And since alot of the 'pocket pets" (mice, rats, gerbils, etc) are closer to teh bedding and often dig and play in it, this can kill them very quickly.

NEVER USE CEDAR SHAVINGS!!!

So here is where the controversy comes in.  Pine bedding.  There have been countless arguments in the actual use of pine.  Some say its fine, other state that the oils and toxins in pine wood can cause adverse effects in pockets pets.  This arguement has been going on for a long time, as there has never seemed to be any rock hard evidence saying pine was bad. 

Well I've FINALLY found some rock hard evidence:

Web Articles and Published articles on pine bedding HERE.

This is good enough evidence for me folks.  From now on I'm Aspen all the way.  Yes, pine is cheaper, but I can't in good conscience sell it anymore as bedding.  Now the real question is what do I do with all my stock?  I suppose I could sell it for cat boxes and whatnot, but I need to make it very clear this stuff isn't good for small animals to live on.

NEVER USE PINE SHAVINGS!