Question:
I like CareFresh, but it's so darned expensive. Any other recommendations for an absorbent, paper pulp bedding?
I currently use a layer of corncob, followed by CF, and then put in a handful of Timothy. If I have nursing or pregnant moms, I throw in some TP for them to shred. The hamsters love it because they can dig in the corn cob and chew on it, and eat the Timothy.
What about shredded newspaper? I'm concerned about the ink being toxic, but I've heard of other people using it with no problems. What do you think?


Answer:
I use Cell-Sorb for my chins' litterboxes and it works great. Have you seen it?


Answer:
Since you are in Mississippi- Walmart carries a generic carefresh called Critter Care- it is less than $4 for a 10 liter bag- which is enough to do one hamster cage about 8 weeks. Very economical.


Answer:
Well, the only thing is.....I have over 50 hamsters, so quite a few cages. I also started a small animal rescue, so LOTS of potential animals.
The local newspaper here gives away their unprinted paper end rolls, so I can probably get those and shred them. I'm trying to find a way to recycle and save money, but keep my animals healthy too. The shredded newsprint can be put in the compost pile and used as fertilizer in the garden on down the road.
Thanks for the suggestions!


Answer:
Okay, I did some research on newspaper and it appears that vegetable-based inks are safe for small and large animals alike. I would call your local paper and ask what type of ink they use.


Answer:
We use shredded paper at the shelter when we run out of shavings.. it's free! Plus it is shredded by developmentally challenged individuals (that's their job) in our community..
The only downfall is that we end up cleaning the cages twice as often b/c the paper doesn't absorb urine very well... so in my opinion, I'd check out cheaper versions of Carefresh (like Jenna suggested)..


Answer:
If you could get all the little buggers to use the litter box- you could get away with changing hte general bedding half as often. A cheap litter is play sand- bake it in the oven in a shallow pan for an hour at 250 degrees. Cool before using, of course- and it stores well in an airtight container.


Answer:
cellsorb plus rock!!!


Answer:
For hamsters Carefresh or Aspen is great to use! I've heard on other useful sites that the other beddings have some sort of oils in it that can harm the hamster's breathing or can make he/she sick. This is what I've heard & in NJ Aspen is only about $7.00 which isn't bad.


Answer:
I found a supplier near here who is extremely helpful AND our local co-op can get Lab Diet products. Now all I need to do is find someone to fix the roof on my storage building and run electricity to it so I can heat and cool it. Then I'll have a good place to start.
The shredded paper would probably just be ONE of the components of animal bedding. I like using a mixture of aspen, shredded paper, toilet paper, timothy hay, and CareFresh. The animals love it and they build the most elaborate nests.
Have you ever seen a wild rat's nest? They use EVERYTHING they can find that is soft or insulating and pack it in there.