Are packing peanuts safe for fancy rats to play in?
On One Hand: Traditional packing peanuts have toxic elements.Industrial packing peanuts are typically made from a compound called polystyrene, according to UBoxes, a shipping supply store. Prolonged exposure to this chemical has resulted in neurotoxic symptoms such as fatigue, nervousness and difficulty sleeping, according to Environmental Justice. It may also be a carcinogen, meaning that it is unsafe to allow a small mammal such as a rat to risk consuming large amounts of it.On the Other: There are biodegradable materials.In response to environmental and health concerns, many companies have begun manufacturing biodegradable packing materials. These packing peanuts are made out of starch and contain no dangerous chemicals, meaning that the fancy rat may safely consume it if it likes, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.Bottom LineTo maintain the health of a fancy rat, you should avoid allowing them to play in synthetic packing peanuts, as they will be tempted to nibble on them,
