Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi All,

I just recently switched to pelleted pine 2 weeks ago. Since that time I have noticed an increase in rat pup deaths 1-5 day olds. After noticing this the first week I thought it may have been due to nesting problems so I added some shredded newspaper. It did not seem to help. Now at first I thought well one variable and one problem so I'll just change back to shavings. Then I realized I had seen that other people here had used pelleted pine. I'm wondering if I just have some females that are not producing milk like they used to, or if it actually related to the change in bedding. Has anyone else seen anything like this with pelleted pine. I'm using Terramigo brand at this time.

Thanks for any input,

Nate

P.S. I'd really like to continue using this product as I have almost no smell on cleaning day with hundreds of rats.

We have been using pelleted pine for two years now. We do add a little shavings, but we know a couple of other people that just use it straight. I think they make better nests with the shavings. We have tried four different brands, the second runner up was advanced bedding by Eagle. Our favorite by a long shot is Equine fresh.
Does it break apart in a day or two? One type we tried was very hard, can't remember the brand.
Amanda

I used to use Eagle Valley ABM, then my local supplier stopped carrying it. Then I found Tractor Supply carries Equine Fresh.

And yeah, handfull of pine shavings to every tub with babies!
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Thanks,

Dave Colling

www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com

0.1 Wife (WC and still very fiesty)
0.2 kids (CBB, a big part of our selective breeding program)

LOL, to many snakes to list, last count:
26.49 BRB
20.21 BCI
And those are only the breeders

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats