New video - paper substrate, one size - 4 different size tubs

[Steve-J]

Here is a new informational video on how we do our paper substrate. . .
I also tossed in a scene with a few snakes near the end because. . . well, we all love to see everybody's animals, so why not?
This video is not meant to show a "right" or "wrong" way, it's just to show the way we do it over here and if some people find it interesting then we think that's great!!
Let us know what you think!



Thanks for watching!

[STjepkes]

About to switch over to rack systems, I found this thread interesting. What does the paper cost you and where do you get it from? I've been wondering about what exactly I'll use for paper substrate. Free news papers would be cheapest and easy to come by, but I worry about not knowing exactly what it's been exposed to.

[Steve-J]

Yeah, the most cost effective way would be to use regular newspaper, I just like the cleaner look of the unprinted stuff. I pick up the box of 2400 sheets for 50 bucks and it lasts me about 6 months, it comes out to about 2 cents per sheet (i pick it up at their location, if you have to have it shipped it does get expensive). I get it from uline, you may be able to find a cheaper option as uline can be kinda pricy, or you may want to look at the price of rolls of paper, I just prefer to get the pre cut sheets as I don't have to keep a big roll around or spend time cutting sheets. Hope this helps!

[STjepkes]

Thanks very much! There is actually a Uline not terribly far from me. Just 15-20ish minutes if I'm already in the Seattle Area. Would I need to have placed an order beforehand or could I just come in and pick up a bundle? Also, may I ask how many animals you are using it as substrate for? I currently only have 5 balls that would be making the switch so I was wondering how long it might last me haha. Thank you again.

[Steve-J]

I order online and it's ready for pickup when I arrive. . . We use the paper for 29 tubs (16 of which are the large 41qt) so you would probably have a box last you for a long, long time!

[STjepkes]

Thanks, Steve. One last question if you'll humor me. I've heard a lot of people who I believe to use paper substrate talk about "spot cleaning," and am a little confused. When an animal produces a urate or feces do you personally completely change out the substrate each time?

EDIT: Just watched the end of your video for the first time.... that is one gorgeous Mojave, and I'm super picky about Mojo. Like she is absolutely perfect to me. I will be keeping your name around for when I'm looking for one in a year or two because yes, I'm that picky. Haha.

[Steve-J]

Thanks for the comments! Yeah we can't wait to see that Mojave girl's hatchlings (which should be pretty soon!)
As far as the term "spot cleaning" it usually refers to wood substrate rather than paper, when using wood substrate one could simply grab a clump and clean out a specific "spot" (hence the term spot cleaning) but when using the paper substrate it is usually necessary to change the paper when it is soiled. Since it is a low cost substrate that is easy to change it makes keeping things clean easy!

[STjepkes]

Thanks for the comments! Yeah we can't wait to see that Mojave girl's hatchlings (which should be pretty soon!)
As far as the term "spot cleaning" it usually refers to wood substrate rather than paper, when using wood substrate one could simply grab a clump and clean out a specific "spot" (hence the term spot cleaning) but when using the paper substrate it is usually necessary to change the paper when it is soiled. Since it is a low cost substrate that is easy to change it makes keeping things clean easy!

Yes, I'm familiar with this. I currently use coconut fiber and spot clean nearly daily. I must have become confused when they(paper substrate users) were giving advise to others about spot cleaning. But thanks again for the full, complete response to my silly question!