compressed sawdust pellets for bunny litter

Question
I have 10 pet rabbits and they are all litter trained.  Last night I went to buy some compressed sawdust pellets to use with the Yesterdays News to keep the cost down.  The lady at the store told me that the pellets were unsafe if they came in contact with the body or were eaten by the rabbit.  Is this true?  Do you have any suggestions for the most effective way to keep down the cost of litter for multiple bunnies and still provide safety and easy clean up?
Cassandra

Answer
Dear Cassandra,

I don't know what brand of sawdust pellets they're selling, but I've never heard of them being toxic or dangerous.  Is there a warning on the bag?  Are they made from pressure-treated wood (which would be permeated with arsenic and other heavy metals)?  If they're just Feline Pine or other brand name pelleted bedding, then I doubt very much that they are toxic to the touch.

We have used nothing but compressed sawdust for more than ten years, and it's *excellent* as litter.  We usually cover it with a thin layer of hay, but that's more for the bunnies' comfort than to protect them from the sawdust.

It also makes great compost! :)

Hope that helps.

Dana