question for all of you BP breeders

[ballpythonluvr]

I have just been told by a friend of mine that breeds and keeps ball pythons that news print is not safe to keep your snake on. I was told the snake can get ink poisioning and respiratory infections from printed newspaper. I find this a little disturbing because I have always used printed newspaper for my snakes without any issues. I have contacted my newspaper company by email to see what kind of ink they do use. I need to give a little bit of time before I get a resposne since I just sent them an email about five minutes ago. I feel like a dork for even asking this question but I am very curious.

[TheWinWizard]

I never had a problem from using newspaper.

[D&J Reptiles]

most Newspaper is printed with a vegetable base ink. So you should be ok.

[Nektu]

I'm not a breeder, but I have used news print for 8 years with my bp. I have never had an issue with him. Except for the occasional up at midnight moving around and the sound waking me up, lol.

[LadyOhh]

I don't use newspaper. I don't have enough of it. I have and use unprinted butcher paper for those that are on paper.

But like it was said, newspapers use vegetable based inks most of the time, so unless they tell you otherwise, you should be fine.

BUT!!!

It does get everywhere... White snakes + Black Ink = Fail.

Just saying.

[SlitherinSisters]

Like others said, the ink should be harmless. I have been using newspaper without issue for three years now. Newspaper is free, so I don't really see the point in buying anything. (you can pick up advertisers for free at most stores and you can get day old newspapers if you ask stores for them)

[JADE_reptiles]

The newspaper is not going to be an issue (health wise), however, they will get your lighter color snakes dirty. What you can do, if you are worried, is email that same newspaper company back, and see if you can swing by and get their leftover unprinted ends. . . I do that, I only pay like 2 dollars per roll, and it will last a good amount of time, no ink, and its basically free. . . way cheaper than any other substrate and it keeps the snakes looking good. Hope this helps.