I'm not sure how much most feed stores sell their Aspen for, but the feed store where I purchase my bales of hay is where I also purchase my Aspen. I pay $6.00 for 3200 cu in of kiln dried Aspen with a "medium" level of dust. Kiln drying Aspen is done so to reduce bacteria and, I believe, to make it slightly more absorbent. It's cheaper and easier to upkeep than paper towels, in my opinion. I only use paper towels in my quarantine tub now. As for your Corns possibly preferring it, that's likely. The Rosy Boa I had for a short time preferred burrowing into the Aspen, as opposed to using his hides.