Post by mousekateers on Jul 10, 2013 22:17:53 GMT 10
I've been reading on other forums discussions regarding the use of different types of litter. I currently use either Breeders Choice or Back-2-Nature which is a cheaper version of Breeders Choice.
Over the years I have tried everything on the market, and will sometimes go back to previous substrates just for a change or to reassess them, and I'll continue to try new substrates suggested by anyone who finds something they consider worthwhile.
Substrates I have tried over the years (and these are just my impressions) include:-
Over the years I have tried everything on the market, and will sometimes go back to previous substrates just for a change or to reassess them, and I'll continue to try new substrates suggested by anyone who finds something they consider worthwhile.
Substrates I have tried over the years (and these are just my impressions) include:-
- Breeders Choice - available in various sizes, easy to clean up, gives excellent odour control, keeps the animal dry, has good absorbency, doesn't breakdown and is a reasonable price.
- Back-2-Nature - similar to Breeders Choice but is only available from bigger petshops, and is cheaper to buy.
- Superior Shavings - kiln dried and dust extracted, packaged in a large bale which is heavy and unwieldy to handle, these shavings are very good and I have used them for extended periods of time. Mice love to dig and tunnel through them and whilst their absorbency is very good, it is not as good as Breeders Choice or Back-2-Nature. Shavings are cheaper than the paper based pellets and a bale will last a lot longer. Generally available from produce stores.
- Aspen, cedar and other wood based shavings - these tend to have a very strong smell and are dusty which can cause sneezing and respiratory problems. I have never used these products as I consider the smell to be overpowering and I don't think that they have very good absorbency, as well as being expensive.
- Carefresh - a cellulose fibre renowned for its high absorbency levels which suppresses the formation of ammonia, ultra soft texture for sensitive animals which is free from inks, dyes, clays and other chemicals. Carefresh is sanitised to reduce bacteria, mould and fungus. This is an excellent product but is very expensive if you have more than a few animals.
- Lucerne chaff - popular natural chaff with a fresh mown smell. Mice love to dig and tunnel and eat it too. My experience is that it doesn't last the distance, has poor absorbency becoming damp underneath which leads to fungal growth and can promote respiratory problems. Some people can be allergic to it. It can be purchased at produce stores and some of the bigger petshop chains.
- Oz Pet Litter - is eco friendly made from plantation sawdust, it is 100% organic and can be recycled. It is readily available in petshops but I find that it crumbles when it gets wet and its absorbency isn't as good as Breeders Choice or Back-2-Nature.
- Shredded paper - "do it yourself", I find this is better as bedding than substrate because it can be messy, doesn't control odour well and can harbour mites. On the plus side it is environmentally friendly and cheap.
- Newspaper - similar to shredded paper.
I thought it would be interesting to do a poll on the different types of litter/substrate that people use. I'd really like to hear your ideas and opinions on what works for you.