aspen for hatchlings? - Page 2

David Kwok · 02-25-05, 10:58 AM

A couple years back I decided to switch from newspaper to aspen. When I did, with in a week, the whole rack (10) of BPs got RIs. Eight of them recovered and two of them didn't make it. I will never use it again.

However, I know there are lots of ppl out there who keep their animals on aspen with no problems.

Dave

Markus Jayne · 02-25-05, 11:12 AM

That is totally bizarre David! What were they (age) and how long had they been in your pocession?

I kkep all my ball pythons on aspen.

mark

Bristen · 02-25-05, 11:33 AM

Hey Mark, since you keep all your animals on aspen, where do you get the stuff in such large quantities?

Thanks,
Bristen.

Bristen · 02-25-05, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David Kwok A couple years back I decided to switch from newspaper to aspen. When I did, with in a week, the whole rack (10) of BPs got RIs. Eight of them recovered and two of them didn't make it. I will never use it again.

However, I know there are lots of ppl out there who keep their animals on aspen with no problems.

Dave

Hey Dave,

what kind of aspen were you using? I once bought a large package of aspen shavings (cost me $40.00 at Pets Unlimited). This stuff was VERY dusty and smelly.

The fact that it was very dusty was a problem to begin with.. Also, because it was smelly, I assume it was not very dry and the green wood would smell more... I ended up giving it to my mother for her rat colony (she breeds some rats for me)...

The aspen I use is shredded aspen (Nature's Gold I believe is the manufacter's name). It is practically dust free and has almost no smell to it. The only problem I have is I can only find it in small packages at Wal-Mart

I'd like to buy it in bulk if I could find it somewheres...

Anyways, perhaps the problems you were having were related to the type of aspen?

Just some thoughts...

Bristen.

Markus Jayne · 02-25-05, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bristen
Hey Mark, since you keep all your animals on aspen, where do you get the stuff in such large quantities?

Thanks,
Bristen.

I buy my aspen in big bales. I think I pay $11.00 per bag. I get them at Ren's Pet Depot in Oakville.

Mark

Bristen · 02-25-05, 12:55 PM

there is a pet supplies wholesaler in the area.. I'll check with them..

Thanks,
Bristen.

Herpsrus · 02-25-05, 12:57 PM

I have used aspen in the past. A couple years ago, I changed all of the substrate in my racks and a week later...BAM....I had mites......two weeks later and A LOT of cleaning.....they were on newpaper and feelin fine....I have not had any problem since then. I find newspaper is very clean and its easier for me to inspect things like sheds and feces. Just my experiences....hope this helps!
Mike

paulsreef · 02-26-05, 12:05 AM

Quote:

I kkep all my ball pythons on aspen.

Mark, do you also feed them on the aspen?
Thanks Paul.

David Kwok · 02-26-05, 01:56 AM

I don't recall what brand it was, but it came in a large brown bag and cost me around $18.00. I don't recall it being all that dusty either. I have a friend of mine who keeps everything on them; ball pythons, blackheads, boas and he has never had a problem.

My setup was just a sweater box rack with 11" heat tape which covered around 40% of the tub.... The messed up thing is that it happened in the summer time too.... I have room humidifiers running and all that wonderful stuff.... It was the only rack I switched over to aspen! lucky for me.

I heard TSK tried to switch all their balls onto cypress mulch and "it nearly wiped out their whole collection" mmmmm maybe a hyperbole?

I guess its different strokes for different folks.

Dave