Degu eating substrate?

[degunewbie]

Hi all,

I switched my degus substrate today back to carefresh. She had carefresh her first 2 weeks, no problem, then this other bedding that might make her cough, so I switched it back to carefresh. To my shock shes just tried to nibble it a few times, but i got her to drop it. Should i take it out? Is that normal? She was holding it and nibbling like it was a treat. Is carefresh safe if she ingests?

[savvy]

Most degus will eat substrate, especially if it's a paper, card or wood based one as it's fibre, so it should be OK.

[bouncy]

Ditto! Mine invariably munch on substrate, particularly if it's fresh. Weirdos.

[degunewbie]

That's good. Was so strange seeing her pick up chunks ready to nibble, ignoring the forage I sprinkled, until I chased her off them. They arent a snack! But she settled and isnt so curious to eat them the past few hours. So all looks ok. Sorry to panic, I wanted to double check because you think if something is absorbent and not digestible that would be horrible to have in her tiny stomach.

She is the best little critter guys. She is so sensitive and curious. I'm so proud of her. Just got to keep her safe!

[deguconvert]

Love that you are so protective of her!