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Post by pastelpml on Apr 26, 2015 6:44:26 GMT -8
Is shredded news paper mixed with some wood shavings ok for substrate? I was wondering because that would be a really cheap alternative instead of using aspen.
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Post by vexorg on Apr 26, 2015 7:22:07 GMT -8
I'd say no, the ink in newspaper usually rubs off on your hand, you'll have inky gerbils in no time.
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Post by betty on Apr 26, 2015 10:22:02 GMT -8
Yeah, I had to keep my gerbil on newspaper after his opp (to stop sawdust sticking in his wound) and I woke up the next morning and though he was dying - he was totally blue on his face and feet.
Turned out (thank goodness) it was all the ink from the newspaper...
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Post by moonlight7wolf on Apr 26, 2015 10:27:02 GMT -8
I have heard that the ink in newspaper is soy based and safe. So technically I think it would be safe. But as the others said, the ink would probably rub off really easily on your gerbils. So I guess it wouldn't matter as much if you had black gerbils, but it's up to you if that would bother you or not.
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Post by pastelpml on Apr 26, 2015 12:12:41 GMT -8
Ok thanks for replying! I guess I don't want blue or yellow gerbils so I will stick with aspen until I find something better.
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Post by blanknote on Apr 27, 2015 0:52:28 GMT -8
I am not sure where you live, but in the UK there are Fitch and Megazorb beddings available online. They are pricey to buy at first, but they do last quite a while! (I got 14kg Megazorb bag for about 15 quid, I have had it since January and I will still have enough to use for 2 cage cleanings.)
You could also give them a lot of cardboard to chew, that way they will make new bedding of the cardboard! Shops usually happily give the boxes they do not need.
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Post by xxxamybxxx on Apr 27, 2015 5:47:59 GMT -8
If you have a stables or horse shop near your megazorb is realllllly cheap! I pay £7 for a huge sack (i dont know how many kg but im guessing the sack size is pretty standard) which is half the priceof buying it online!I would of thought they do the other horse beddings for along the same price too, im going to enquire next time i go.
Amy
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Post by the_gerbilpetsworld on Apr 27, 2015 6:55:17 GMT -8
Mine have shredded paper (not newspaper) and non toxic children's play sand and the gerbils love it! The shredded paper makes a great nest material and it also makes a great burrowing material as it holds tunnels in place and does not break away as easy as some substrates do. The non toxic childrens Play sand helps hold the tunnels in place and stays moist so it helps with digging and burrowing, they love it as well because it's natural and the sort of thing they would get in the wild. However the answer to your question about newspaper, I wouldn't because like someone said the ink easily comes off and you don't want inky gerbils. It could also give them ink poisoning if they swallow it or chew it or it could even soak into their skin and you don't want that Hope I helped PetMad15  |
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Post by blanknote on Apr 28, 2015 2:41:25 GMT -8
However the answer to your question about newspaper, I wouldn't because like someone said the ink easily comes off and you don't want inky gerbils. It could also give them ink poisoning if they swallow it or chew it or it could even soak into their skin and you don't want that Hope I helped PetMad15 I have been told that newspapers usually use soy ink, which is safe for gerbils to chew. |
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Post by pastelpml on Apr 28, 2015 3:15:32 GMT -8
Ok thanks! I will check for megazorb but I live in Canada so it might not be here.
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Post by pastelpml on Apr 28, 2015 3:16:43 GMT -8
I will try looking for megazorb but I live in Canada so it might not be here.
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Post by blanknote on Apr 29, 2015 1:22:30 GMT -8
Ahh, I don't think megazorb is available in Canada But you could mix your aspen with hay and some tissue, to save some money? (That is if hay is cheaper than aspen.)
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Post by moonlight7wolf on Apr 29, 2015 2:52:13 GMT -8
Hay can be cheaper than aspen if you buy it in big bales! It's so much more economical that way! And I actually found that baled hay was better quality than the stuff that you buy at pet stores. The only thing is you need to find somewhere to store a bale of hay.
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Post by pastelpml on Apr 29, 2015 3:30:52 GMT -8
I have lots of space to store a bale of hay since I have a barn! Thanks for all your help! I might try and get a big bag of kiln dried pine.
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Post by betty on Apr 29, 2015 6:32:08 GMT -8
Yeah. I buy a (horse) bale of KD Pine for only £7. Great value.
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