What bedding should I use?

go to petsmart they have a big ol bag of aspen shavings for $15

Pine pellets and kiln dried pine in our breeder and growout tubs.
And just kiln dried pine in our maturnity tubs.
The best stuff we have found is ThoroughBed from Long Beach Shaving Co.

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Originally Posted by EAC Reptiles

I use pine shavings from the farm supply store and have no issues with it. The pine shaving are a ton cheaper than aspen. I think the last time a bag of pine was $4 and the same size bag of aspen is about $23.

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I read that pine doesn't cause noticeable side effects. The side effects are within the animal. I just don't want to have any problems whatsoever because I'm also going to be breeding for pets. I won't want my customers to end up with sick rats a year later. But if other ppl mention that they haven't had any side effects with rats they've had for over a year I may reconsider.

Pine pellets to absorb the smell and pine shaving for nesting material.

Pellets for breeder groups and babies over 2 weeks of age.

Mix of pine pellets and pine shaving for nursing moms with babies under 2 weeks of age.

I have been breeding rats since early 2007 and produce several thousands each year with no side effect.... cause of death in the rat population is always linked to snakes. lol

Some breeders retire at 18 months and they are healthy they just no longer produce enough hence why they are retired.

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Originally Posted by C&H Exotic Morphs

Pine pellets and kiln dried pine in our breeder and growout tubs.
And just kiln dried pine in our maturnity tubs.
The best stuff we have found is ThoroughBed from Long Beach Shaving Co.

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I just looked at the thoroughbed on their website. It looks really really nice. The only problem is, I can't find a place to order it other than by the pallet from their website. Where can I buy it by the bag? I googled it but nothing came up. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
SC

P.s. why do you use the pellets with the pine shavings? Extra absorbent?

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Pine pellets to absorb the smell and pine shaving for nesting material.

Pellets for breeder groups and babies over 2 weeks of age.

Mix of pine pellets and pine shaving for nursing moms with babies under 2 weeks of age.

I have been breeding rats since early 2007 and produce several thousands each year with no side effect.... cause of death in the rat population is always linked to snakes. lol

Some breeders retire at 18 months and they are healthy they just no longer produce enough hence why they are retired.

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Ok sweet. I'm just paranoid that it'll cause side effects for the rats that become pets. But I definitely trust your expertise. You've helped me out a few times on here :)

Thanks again,
SC

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Originally Posted by stupidcracker00

I just looked at the thoroughbed on their website. It looks really really nice. The only problem is, I can't find a place to order it other than by the pallet from their website. Where can I buy it by the bag? I googled it but nothing came up. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
SC

P.s. why do you use the pellets with the pine shavings? Extra absorbent?

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We get it from our local feed store. That will probably be your best bet to get a good brand at a decent price, but the brand they carry may vary depending on where you are located. Or you could try calling around to the actual bedding companies and see if they have a supplier in your area.

We use the Pine pellets to help with the odor absorption.

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Originally Posted by C&H Exotic Morphs

We get it from our local feed store. That will probably be your best bet to get a good brand at a decent price, but the brand they carry may vary depending on where you are located. Or you could try calling around to the actual bedding companies and see if they have a supplier in your area.

We use the Pine pellets to help with the odor absorption.

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How much do you usually pay per bag? And what size do you get? Im gonna start out with the pine pellets because I won't have any prego or nursing females for a while. I will be starting with weanlings. I found 40 lb bags of equine fresh for right under 5 bucks I believe. That should be pretty cost efficient. Would you recommend pine shavings to mix in with it anyways? Or are the pine pellets enough for now?

Thanks for your help,
SC

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Would you recommend pine shavings to mix in with it anyways? Or are the pine pellets enough for now?

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You need to mix pine shaving with the pellets for moms with babies under 2 weeks of age.

If the pellets are use alone with babies under two weeks of age the saw dust will clog up their nostril leading to losses.

For anything over 2 weeks of age you can use straight pine pellet without any shavings.

One bag of equine pine which is about $5.99 (depends on location) allows me to do 14 breeder rat tubs (jumbo cat litter pans size) 6 large concrete mixing tubs, 15 small birthing tubs and 6 mice tubs. I use one bag a week for all those.

I use about 1 bail of pine shaving a months the cost is $4.99 (again depends on location).

Yup, kiln dried pine is cheap and effective. Check your local feed stores or Tractor Supply (if you have those in your area). It is cheaper than Aspen, which is also fine to use, but cost more. I do not use the pellets and can not comment on those.