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What's the incidence of problems resulting from small wood chips adhering to rodent fur during swallowing?

Thanks,

Leon

>>What's the incidence of problems resulting from small wood chips adhering to rodent fur during swallowing?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Leon

I use newspaper and am paranoid. That said, I know three people here locally that lost snakes to eating substrate. Two were young snakes fed on aspen. Yes, they were necropsied and yes it was aspen. My vet HATES particulate substrate. Even if the chance is 1% why would you take that chance?
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Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

Frankly, I'm convinced now that I won't be taking this chance.

FYI, I believe naturalistic substrates to be more animal friendly, more human-attractive friendly, and yes, less maintenance. As for the latter the issue is simply that in order to replace paper, you have to take out the hide boxes, water dishes, etc. Else you just scoop out the mess, and only clean that other component (if any) that the excrement directly touches. Aspen specifically is good for helping humidity a bit, and the animals burrow and build trenches and caves in it.

I will be feeding in tupperware, forever and ever....

Incidentally, I know that newspaper is highly recommended, but I'm paranoid about the print...use paper towels in my quarantine tank(s)...

Regards,

Leon

My wife contacted our local small newspaper and asked about the leftover portion of the rolls they have once they complete the printing. They now hold some of it for us to pick up any time we need it... I think it is a couple of dollars but for the safety of newspaper substrant plus the fact it is unprinted, it is worth it. She thought they were going to think we were nuts for asking, but it turned out we are not the only ones they do it for.
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Bryan, Atlanta GA

1-0-0 Ball Python - Apep
1-1-0 Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet
1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
0-1-0 Wife
2-0-0 Kids

>>Frankly, I'm convinced now that I won't be taking this chance.
>>
>>FYI, I believe naturalistic substrates to be more animal friendly, more human-attractive friendly, and yes, less maintenance. As for the latter the issue is simply that in order to replace paper, you have to take out the hide boxes, water dishes, etc. Else you just scoop out the mess, and only clean that other component (if any) that the excrement directly touches. Aspen specifically is good for helping humidity a bit, and the animals burrow and build trenches and caves in it.
>>
>>I will be feeding in tupperware, forever and ever....
>>
>>Incidentally, I know that newspaper is highly recommended, but I'm paranoid about the print...use paper towels in my quarantine tank(s)...
>>
>>Regards,
>>
>>Leon

Well, for particulate, as in burrowable. You can use Carefresh, lightweight, holds burrows and I found it was great for neonates. But I did feed off of it even then. With a tiny snake it doesn't take much to block them up and kill them.
You could also check with your local paper and see if they don't use soy based inks, many do now.
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Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

The print on today's newspaper is vegetable oil based. Does not effect snakes.

I feed on aspen bedding.I just make sure the rodents are dry before I put them in...Paul

Never a problem in thirty plus years feeding on aspen or pine shavings. Will never feed a small hatchling on any shavings, as already stated being so small there could be a problem. Bigger ones what little they do swallow will just pass on through. Besides I doubt that a snake in the wild is going to look for a sheet of newspaper before he gets ready to eat.