So, I've been spending half the day researching ASF's and have about decided they have a lot in common with gerbils, except they have larger litters, are a bit larger, and bite more frequently.

I'm a touch concerned about them chewing out of a rack system, anybody had a lot of trouble with that? As closely as they resemble gerbils in chewing, I'm thinking glass tanks would be better, but the cost is somewhat prohibitive, especially compared to racks.

Will ASF's also chew up cardboard/paper towel rolls/boxes/etc to make bedding such as the gerbils will? I've found with the gerbils if provided an ample supply of such they don't chew on other things (such as water bottles!).

I found out they're available at the Tulsa Reptile Show, which we were planning on checking out anyhow (never been to one believe it or not) so we're thinking about adding them and mice at that point.