aspen vs. carefresh

[crazyboy]

What are the pros and cons of each for use with colubrids?

[Linds]

Aspen cannot be used in humid environments whereas Carefresh can be used in just about any environment. Both are pretty good at holding burrows. Carefresh is mighty expensive, but no trees were wasted for the sole purpose of making it, unlike aspen. Carefresh is nice if you want a darker substrate, although some find the grey kind of drabby... I like it just fine :) Carefresh doesn't have those prickly shards and doesn't latch on to dry prey like aspen does. I would never consider feeding on aspen, and although feeding on any loose substrate does have some degree of risk, I would consider Carefresh to be the most minimal, if you are looking for something to feed on.

[sapphire_moon]

Actually I use aspen for my BP's, and when they go into shed they get about 80-85% humidity, and the aspen does fine. No mold, or anything like that. I put news paper under my snakes to feed, although if you have alot of animals that would take alot of time.

If you have alot of animals I woild just use news paper or paper towel.

[Siretsap]

I use aspen for all my cornsnakes. Don't use it with my ball pythons and jcp's either.

sapphire, do your ball pythons seem to like the substrat? I tought since they have such space in betwen their scales, the aspen would tend to get caught in there... (ventral scales I am talking about)

[sapphire_moon]

Nope, they like to burrow down into it, kinda push it aside, it never gets stuck in any of their scales.

[crazyboy]

ok thanks i really like the idea of carefresh but it is pretty pricey. is there any place to get it not in petstores. thanks

[sapphire_moon]

wal-mart carries a care fresh like stuff, It actually seems less dusty. In the pet section by the rabbit food and stuff. I'm not sure how much it is, though I'm sure it's just as pricey as care fresh.

[vanderkm]

We used aspen for most colubrids up until last fall and now all are on Carefresh (those still in brumation will go on it when they come out). We have been very pleased with how absorbant it is and the texture is much softer than aspen (either large flake or shredded). It is expensive, but is very easy to spot clean and be sure of getting all the urine and fecal material. Great stuff - we will still use aspen for a few things but really like CareFresh,

mary v.

[crazyboy]

ok thanks

[Auskan]

The walmart equivalent is under $4 per bag in the US.

[Linds]

Auskan,
What size bag is that for?

[sapphire_moon]

a small one. lol

[Auskan]

Oh gosh, now you've got me. I didn't really look at the size on the bag. I had just been to PetCo or PetsMart and seen Carefresh for the first time but didn't want to "experiment" at $10 per bag. I needed some things at walmart so went straight from the petstore to walmart and while there I saw what looked to be the same stuff for $3.72 for the same size bag as the petstore had sold for $10. I did get a bag and really liked it. It lasted a long time for 4 colonies of mice/rats. Once that bag was finished I decided to give Aspen a try so that's what I'm using now. I can't tell you the size of bag, but it was the equivalent size of the $10 (US) bag at the chain petstore, if that helps?

[Sean Day]

I just picked up a small bag (10 gal?) from Paulmacs to try out. I paid $5.99 Canadian, is this average price in Canada?

[latazyo]

what exactly is "carefresh" I might have to look for it at walmart, and if you say walmart has the generic version, what is that called?

[sapphire_moon]

For my rats I use a layer of pine, with shredded (with a confetti shredder) paper don't really matter anyways, when they decide o build a nest they just shove ALL the shavings over to one side :rolleyes: and create this HUGE pile.

I haven't noticed them sneezing at all, Even my pet rats (right now, I am going to put them on an all shredded paper bedding) are on it, and they don't sneeze/cough at all.

[crazyboy]

thanks guys

latazyo: CareFresh Pet Bedding is made from reclaimed wood pulp paste. It can be used for small animals, reptiles, and birds. It contains no contaminants, added inks or dyes, or chemicals. Naturally biodegradable, it has superior odor control and is extremely absorbent. This bedding is made from material that can't be made into paper and would normally be put into a landfill, so CareFresh is environmentally friendly!

(copied from petsmart.com (http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444177 6933&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302026320&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023694&bmUID=1078342112010 )