Is newspaper ok?

Is shredded newspaper (shredded in a paper shredder) an ok substrate for a ball python? It would be a great option for me, if I could do it.

But, some people have told me that it may be harmful to a snake, though I have a feeling this is not true.

Any help is appreciated.

why not just keep the newspaper whole and use it as a substrate? I have heard of shredded newspaper being harmful because of the dust it gives off

Not sure about the shredded part but like Adam said, whole sheets of newspaper is 100% safe.

I use sheets of unprinted newspaper. shredding it would create more dust I would think, you might as well just go with aspen then.

I don't see the benefit in shredding it, once it's soiled, you have to change it all out, and it's easier to fold up and remove a whole sheet rather than something shredded.

I've used newspaper, and I've migrated to unprinted newspaper, because I didn't like the ink getting on my snakes.

Newspaper is great (That is what I use) however shredded newspaper is not a good idea, it will be a big mess when comes time to clean, but it's up to you to decide which one is best for you ;)

can the ink really come off onto the snake i have wonder this before cause news paper is so much easier to clean up but have worried about the ink?

Yes, the ink will come off and stain your snake. This is most apparent on white or albino animals. The ink being a soy based product is not dangerous to your animal, but it makes them look kind of dingy.

then where is a good place to get un-inked paper?

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Originally Posted by punyhuman07

then where is a good place to get un-inked paper?

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Uline.com

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Originally Posted by punyhuman07

then where is a good place to get un-inked paper?

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www.uline.com is the best place I know of, you can get them in 15" wide rolls of white unprinted newspaper, and that is the perfect width for the cb-70 and 28 quart tubs, and you get a 1000' or sometimes more for 20 to 30 bucks a roll. Can't beat it in my opinion.

Yup, I get mine from ULINE too, I personally like the 18" wide rolls because I like the paper going up the sides a little bit. The snakes seem to prefer pooping in the corners or on the sides next to the wall so having the paper going up the sides slightly makes it a bit easier to clean, at least when they stay on top of the paper which they often don't do. :oops:

You can probably go to your local newspaper, I know here where I live I can go get their "end rolls" from them for free, you will have to cut your pieces to the size you need, but "free" is a good 4 letter word, "cost" a bad 4 letter word :)

I am currently getting Packing Paper from Home Depot, which is essentially, unprinted newsprint. I like that it's already in sheets, 145 sheets for $8. I do have to fold in half and then one more side fold to fit in my enclosures, but I like it better than having to cut off of a roll. You find it with their moving supplies.

I've also heard you can buy packing paper from U-Haul as well, which I plan to check out next.

I used to use newspaper but i recently aquired a giant roll of brown paper. In 10 years when it runs out i might go back to the newspaper again.

Sweet. Now that I remember, I have a whole roll of newsprint without ink. I'm getting tired of aspen because I have to have my mom drive me (I'm 14 years old) to the petstore, and it's also expensive.

As far as aspen goes though, is there a way for me to get in in bulk for cheap?

You can go to your local uhaul moving company ad buy unprinted newspaper used for wrapping glass and china. It costs us about 9 bucks a roll and lasts a lonnngggg time, not sure how many tubs it will fill but I use 2 plies of them (per tub) and one roll has lasted me 2 months so far and I'm only half way through it.

You can get bulk aspen from horse breeders up in PA where my in-laws are from, but down here in NY I have no clue.

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Originally Posted by punyhuman07

can the ink really come off onto the snake i have wonder this before cause news paper is so much easier to clean up but have worried about the ink?

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Originally Posted by MarkS

Yes, the ink will come off and stain your snake. This is most apparent on white or albino animals. The ink being a soy based product is not dangerous to your animal, but it makes them look kind of dingy.

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the ink will only come off when wet. so if you find your newspaper wet, replace with a fresh dry one immediately. And give your ball, a good wipe. ;)

i use whole sheets of newspaper and paper towels and it works fine.:snake:

Wow, thanks for the link. I've always wondered about that. I use paper towels though, perfectly sized for me. and good with humidity.

Definately agree that shreaded newspaper is a no-go for snakes. BUT if you are keeping mice or rats on the short term, I've used it before and they liked burrowing in it. Probobally best to have actual bedding for them too, but if its only for a day or two, its better than whole newspaper.

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Originally Posted by EdShal

the ink will only come off when wet. so if you find your newspaper wet, replace with a fresh dry one immediately. And give your ball, a good wipe. ;)

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lol! :rofl: