Shredded paper for rodent bedding?

I was curious what everybody thought about using shredded paper as bedding for mice or rats. The reason I ask is, I work in an office, and either recycle or throw away a seemingly endless supply of it.

If I could be using it for bedding, it seems silly to pay for anything.

the problem is that shredded paper doesn't kill odor.when i change bedding for mice and rats i put shredded paper on one end of the tub for nesting,rodents seem to like that.

recently i purchased some ASFR's and i'm now trying just paper shreddings and it seems to be working ok.i'm still experminating.

i agree with you why pay for bedding when shredded paper is free and it's a good way to recycle.have fun !

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Originally Posted by ChrisBowsman

I was curious what everybody thought about using shredded paper as bedding for mice or rats. The reason I ask is, I work in an office, and either recycle or throw away a seemingly endless supply of it.

If I could be using it for bedding, it seems silly to pay for anything.

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Shredded paper is a good idea for nesting material however not to be used as a substrate, it will not absorb the smell and will stink very quickly.

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Originally Posted by GA_Ball_Pythons

Shredded paper is a good idea for nesting material however not to be used as a substrate, it will not absorb the smell and will stink very quickly.

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Yep, yep...what she said! :D

So, it would probably be worth my time to swipe a bag or two, but I still have to buy some bedding. Eh, better than nothing I suppose.

You will have to change a shredded paper substrate at least once a day. It is not absorbant at all and kills no odors.

I tried it once....never again...makes a sort of paper mache that consists of feces, urine and paper....nasty stuff..

I use torn paper for my rats, especially for my pregnant rats. I used shredded, very briefly, but when the moms give birth the pups can get tangled in the shreds.

All my older rats are on torn paper. (I am allergic to wood shavings).

Nothing worse than trying to peel a piece of shredded paper off a baby rat once it has dried to them. :(