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Post by miasheart on Apr 13, 2005 7:50:13 GMT -8
Do any of you use shredded paper for bedding instead of aspen shavings? If so do you have to change it more often? I asked an exotic pet vet and the tech said they loved shredded paper, but I wanted actual pet owners' opinions. We haven't got the gerbils yet, but are researching care. Thanks.
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Post by sandy on Apr 13, 2005 8:42:17 GMT -8
I believe you just have to watch out for coloured ink and glossy pages. I wonder if the long strands would get entangled also. Maybe cut them up somewhat? I do know a teacher who simply puts her old assignment papers into her gerbils' cage for them to chew up and use as bedding.
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Post by gerbil on Apr 21, 2005 12:06:25 GMT -8
it's probably fine. there's actually a bedding brand that uses shredded paper. i forgot what it was. just watch out for the ink and glossies, and it would probably stink more often.
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Post by RyanF on Apr 21, 2005 12:15:10 GMT -8
I use shredded newspaper. Just make sure it is dry, and try to avoid pages with large color pictures. ;D
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Post by sweetie on Apr 21, 2005 12:29:10 GMT -8
If you use paper, I would be sure to stick to plain white paper. The ink from the newspapers and the chemicals that are used to process it are harmful to the gerbils.
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Post by RyanF on Apr 21, 2005 12:31:58 GMT -8
Sorry sweetie, but I don't agree. So far, my gerbils have had no problems with it and it has not been proven for fact that it is harmful to gerbils. I think we make assumptions on things like that. EDIT: I would only use if it is your last option.
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Post by sweetie on Apr 21, 2005 12:44:04 GMT -8
Hi Ryan,
You may be right however it may also be that over time, the chemicals are affecting the gerbils internally as opposed to an outwardly visible illness. Pine is the same way. The oils in it cause kidney issues which you can't see with your eyes.
Again, it is the choice of the owner to do what they feel is right for them and thier pets. Thanks for bringing this up and stating your oppinion. I respectfully agree to disagree.
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RW
Member
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Puppy 6/6/07
Posts: 530
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Post by RW on Apr 22, 2005 12:33:57 GMT -8
I've used shredded plain white paper towels as bedding for a long time. I buy the cheap, non-fiberous kind, like 50ยข a roll at the supermarket or dollar store, and shred them with a regular paper shredder. I've used a lot of other types of bedding, but I've stayed with paper towels since I was advised by my vet to use them for a gerbil who got a terrible sore nose from Carefresh Ultra. I've never had another sore nose from bedding since then, probably about 2 years. I've always cleaned my tanks once a week, no matter what bedding I've used, so using paper towels hasn't changed my cleaning routine, but I'd say any sort of shredded paper would get dirty quicker than some of the other types of bedding.
RW
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Apr 22, 2005 14:39:19 GMT -8
I've always put them in whole gerbils make great shredders
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RW
Member
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Puppy 6/6/07
Posts: 530
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Post by RW on Apr 22, 2005 18:29:17 GMT -8
Do you mean as bedding or as substrate, Doom?
RW
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Apr 22, 2005 23:19:28 GMT -8
Bedding generally I use woodshavings as substrate or Woody woodchips Every new tissue (whether toilet, kitchen or facial) is grabbed with relish and ripped up, they love that as much as toilet rolls!!! But even as bedding I would just scrunch it up some and let the gerbs do the rest!! believe me it won't take them long!!!
A word on newspaper. Most are safe but not all and I wouldn't risk it. Black print on computer paper is fine but may mark the coats of lighter coloured and white marked gerbils.
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Post by RitzieAnn on Apr 22, 2005 23:23:48 GMT -8
I add a little corn cob (just enought to cover the bottom) then give them a roll of toilet paper, and lots of cardboard. Keeps them busy.
Also, I just recently put some shredded paper in. Most ink these days is non-toxic anyway. I only use a little bit, and there's lots of other bedding too! I've heard of several people keeping gerbils on shredded paper as bedding, and their gerbils and other critters died of very old age. Of course it depends on your pet.
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Post by lpn1993 on Apr 23, 2005 4:27:53 GMT -8
I use aspen as the main bedding for my gerbils, but I give them lots of cardboard and paper, which they quickly turn into bedding as well. I give them paper from my paper shredder and they love it!
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SuperGirlH
Member
Are you lookin' at me punk?
Posts: 299
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Post by SuperGirlH on Apr 25, 2005 15:38:58 GMT -8
there is a pellet type bedding purina makes called "yesterday's news" that is made from recycled newspaper. im sure it isn't as cheap as old newspapers though!
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Post by RitzieAnn on Apr 25, 2005 22:30:54 GMT -8
Yesterday's news is $11 a bag here, and it's a size that would only give an inch maybe in 2 (or 3 if you're lucky) 10gal tanks. I can get Kaytee's KayCob bedding in a slightly larger bag for 1/2 the price.
But back to the shredded paper.... I have some I got from my mom, and I stuck it in Keebler's little cage (he's recovering from some random sickness...) and his cage stinks! He's only been in it 3 days I think, maybe 4.... but I have 3 10gals in the same room, and those litters were 3 weeks old and they didn't smell as bad as Keebler's little paper shred house. And he's not a stinky guy.
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