Miscanthus

[Engel]

Has anyone used miscanthus (elephant grass) as substrate for piggies? I'm doing 1/2 fleece and 1/2 substrate (kitchen area.) I can't use hemp (aubiose) as it makes me itch.

For my rats I use bedmax wood shavings. Dust extracted and kiln dried. Could I use that? Or mix it with something?

My second option is miscanthus. Has anyone used it? What is it like?

Last option is paper litter but I'd need a LOT of it.

 

[Guineapigfeet]

I use miscanthus when I can’t get Aubiose and it’s fine. I find it doesn’t clump when wet as well as Aubiose does and I think it’s a bit spikier but my pigs seem happy with it and I’d rather use it than shavings (bad experience but I haven’t used shavings for 20 years or so, so probably shouldn’t be biased)

 

[Engel]

I use miscanthus when I can’t get Aubiose and it’s fine. I find it doesn’t clump when wet as well as Aubiose does and I think it’s a bit spikier but my pigs seem happy with it and I’d rather use it than shavings (bad experience but I haven’t used shavings for 20 years or so, so probably shouldn’t be biased)

I don't like shavings either from bad experience. Has miscanthus got the same odour control as aubiose? May give it a go. Local business got 20kg for £8 which is amazing!

 

[Guineapigfeet]

I don't like shavings either from bad experience. Has miscanthus got the same odour control as aubiose? May give it a go. Local business got 20kg for £8 which is amazing!

I find it smells more ‘plant-y’ than Aubiose as it’s self, but I don’t remember it getting stinky

 

[eileen]

it is very good at absorbing urine,does not smell until clean out day.i use a depth of 1 inch. it clumps together at the base of the bedding.rape seed oil bedding is good as well.