Newspaper

[jess_w]

So I have one of the wire-bottom type chinchilla cages, and I have just been using newspaper underneath as litter, but Gus seems to enjoy chewing at the newspaper. I think he is ingesting it as there are some large sections gone but no signs of shredded up paper around the cage. Is this okay or should I switch to something else?

 

[Chinniechantel]

Some people worry about the ink, but I think most ink is now safe. I know the ads and colored stuff is not safe, but I think the black ink is. Although I don't know about where you are...

 

[Mt. Zion Chins]

it is a US federal law that the ink be veg. based so babies (human kind) don't get poisioned from a newspaper

 

[Rickman]

Pine chips smell much better, absorb more, and are some of my chins favorite treat! I usually put a small handful on top of the wire for that!
Kiln-dried, of course! To me, they're worth a couple pennies a pound!

 

[Chinniechantel]

Pine chips smell much better, absorb more, and are some of my chins favorite treat! I usually put a small handful on top of the wire for that!
Kiln-dried, of course! To me, they're worth a couple pennies a pound!

Haha, Rick we do that too for our chins with wire bottoms...they really do like to chew on the bedding!

 

[alli713]

Looks like they aren't in the US though, I'm not sure if papers differ over in the UK?
I know once when I tried newspaper under the bedding for easier cleanup (I had seen someone suggest it) and I have wire bottoms, I noticed that the bedding smelled bad a lot sooner than if I used just pine, so I just use kiln dried pine shavings.

 

[Mt. Zion Chins]

yea but with newspaper you can monitor the pee and poop much better. When I clean thoroughly I put a thick layer of papers on the bottom and the middle shelf . Each day, I take a layer or 2 out that are soiled (I can see right away - the amount of pee and poo). Besides that newspapers are cheap. and my chins are soo educated

 

[rach_leigh]

* Besides that newspapers are cheap.** and my chins are soo educated

:rofl: That is hilarious!! :rofl:

 

[mishellyshel]

I never thought of newspaper. What a good idea. even if i put it on the bottom & put litter on top, it would save on some money. thanks!

 

[XavierRox]

I use these sort of puppy training pads, that I put under a lavender scented bedding. The bedding keeps it smelling nice, and the pads absorb the wetness so it doesn't stain the pan. Tip: Don't use any sort of trash bag-like liner. One of my chins seemed to think the plastic was some sort of new toy, he pulled most of it through the great less then 20 minutes after I tried it. Had to re-do the whole cage again.

 

[Chinniechantel]

I use these sort of puppy training pads, that I put under a lavender scented bedding. The bedding keeps it smelling nice, and the pads absorb the wetness so it doesn't stain the pan. Tip: Don't use any sort of trash bag-like liner. One of my chins seemed to think the plastic was some sort of new toy, he pulled most of it through the great less then 20 minutes after I tried it. Had to re-do the whole cage again.

Scented bedding is really not a good choice for chins, they are very sensitive to smells and scented bedding. I would not use that.

 

[alli713]

I agree, I was going to say that you shouldn't use a scented bedding with chins, it's not good for them to have to smell it all the time.
Just kiln dried pine or aspen is good.

 

[jess_w]

thanks guys - I think I'll try a pine bedding either on top of the newspaper or instead as I don't know whether the ink here will be safe for him or not