Using Newspaper

[zouleous]

If I use newspaper as substrate or in my feeding box is there anything I should be aware of? My mother seems to think colored ink could be poisonous to them.

Z

[Weather1]

Since most of the people with large collections and breeders use it, I guess it can not be harmful.

Also people are not going to use it for there collection that they have spent thousands of dollars on if it was poisonous.

[C.m.pyrrhus]

Your fine using the newspaper. many folks do not like the idea of ink rubbing off, but serioulsy your not going to have any problems others than simple cleaning......

[JonD]

Most ink used by Newspapers these days are vegetable based and therefore non-toxic. That being said, you can call your local paper and ask them what they use. I still wouldn't use the coloured news print though.....;)

[LISA127]

I use newspaper. All I do is try to use the papers after they are about a week old, so that all the ink is very dry. I also try to use the pages without colored ink on them. I just use the pages with black ink. I don't know if it matters, tho. That's just what I do.

[Linds]

Coloured ink used to be oil-based, but I've heard it's since been changed to vegetable-based as well. I use the coloured print, but to err on the side of caution, I place the black and white part on the top layer :)

[TheRedDragon]

We use newspaper in our BCI's enclosure with no problems at all.

[JDouglas]

I use paper towels in my small tubs and newspaper in large cages. Like Linds I try to remember to put colored ink on bottom.

[C.m.pyrrhus]

Another nice thing about newspaper is that it fits nicely in cages at 2' intervals..Newspapers vary a bit depending but the standard sizes are 2' x 2' or 2' x 1' for smaller pages. My local newspaper fits perfectly to the edges of my boas cages (4 x 2) and the bottom of my ig cage (2 x 2).

For a feeding box it would be perfect. It would soak any blood that may be around, as well as water, urine and other stuff that may come from food items.