Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The last (and my first post here ) post, got me thinking more about mice. Specifically, the smell.
I've tried the old trick of using a few drops of vanilla extract in the water with some good results. Someone also suggested to use alfalfa pellets for substrate. This also had some good results so I took it one step further. I tried using alfalfa.
I found that if I used a one or two inch layer of alfala, there was practically ZERO smell, especially when combined with the vanilla extract trick. Another added bonus was that the mice absolutely LOVED it. they would create tunnels in the substrate, and rearing chambers. I felt this really enhanced their lives. It kept fights to a minimum and gave them something to do, other than running on a treadmill.
Has anyone tried using alfalfa, or know of any reason not to use it? It was a bit dusty, and if you don't have a reason for ordering a full bale of alfalfa, it could get a bit pricey.
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi@yahoo.com

It will mold and that can be deadly. If you are keeping it clean it could be fine.
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

>>It will mold and that can be deadly. If you are keeping it clean it could be fine.
Hello Sonya! Are you the same Sonya that I chatted with here about 3 years ago regarding mice?
Not exactly sure what you mean here. I cleaned the enclosures once a week and never had any issues with mold.
Are you saying that alfalfa could potentially be more prone to mold than other substrates?
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi@yahoo.com

>>>>It will mold and that can be deadly. If you are keeping it clean it could be fine.
>>Hello Sonya! Are you the same Sonya that I chatted with here about 3 years ago regarding mice?
>>Not exactly sure what you mean here. I cleaned the enclosures once a week and never had any issues with mold.
>>Are you saying that alfalfa could potentially be more prone to mold than other substrates?
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>>Victor Gomez
>>gomezvi@yahoo.com

Yeah, basically.
I have used rabbit pellets before but if it is a damper time of year (upstate NY, go fig) I don't as it is likely to mold before I change it enough. That and it is heavy. But cheaper than Cellsorb Plus.
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

>>It will mold and that can be deadly. If you are keeping it clean it could be fine.
>>I have used rabbit pellets before but if it is a damper time of year (upstate NY, go fig) I don't as it is likely to mold before I change it enough. That and it is heavy. But cheaper than Cellsorb Plus.
I understand what you mean now. Different climate here in AZ. It was 99 today! Not too much issues with mold here.
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi@yahoo.com

>>>>It will mold and that can be deadly. If you are keeping it clean it could be fine.
>>>>I have used rabbit pellets before but if it is a damper time of year (upstate NY, go fig) I don't as it is likely to mold before I change it enough. That and it is heavy. But cheaper than Cellsorb Plus.
>>I understand what you mean now. Different climate here in AZ. It was 99 today! Not too much issues with mold here.
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>>Victor Gomez
>>gomezvi@yahoo.com

SICKO ;P
With that climate it could work well. Here a dry day is 40% humidity. Today it is 4 new inches of snow and mid 20's . A few more weeks of winter. Then it will be mudding time.....6 inches of it, damp, water seeping in the cellar. You get the picture.
Sounds like it would work great for you. Just be sure the corners don't get too soggy.
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

My rats loved alfalfa. In Los Angeles, we have much the same climate. I never had any mold. Maybe the alfalfa wicks up the dampness so the ammonia evaporates? A bale of alfalfa lasted forever. Crickets started to live in it, but the rats LOVED eating crickets. Both alfalfa and rabbit(alfalfa) pellets make great compost. This is the mulch...and a pumpkin that grew in it...

DeMak

on my rats and it is true they LOVE the stuff. I live in West Texas and the climate is similar to yours (not that extreme though). It has been known to get 2 weeks out of a single tub of hay (alfalfa) and it is cheap. Some get concerned about the "bugs" that come out of hay but rats are really clean animals and groom themselves constantly. I have not had any issues with bugs to date. Sometimes you find some roaches running around it but like crickets, rats love to eat the roaches too!!! As far as the dust goes, be sure to do the change in a well ventilated area (if in a garage open the big door - and use a floor fan, basement, open some windows and use a fan to get the dust out) during changes. I like the smell of alfalfa hay and it is highly absorbent.
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