Kaytee Aspen Bedding Issues

[lord jackel]

Hey Gang...Just thought I would post a note to everyone. I recently purchased a bag of Kaytee Aspen Bedding (the big bag). I have been using this bedding for years with my snakes (usually very clean, low dust, high quality and for my area the best value) without issue.

I purchased my latest bag from Petsmart a couple of days ago and opened it for the first time today. I was immediately met with a very strong chemical smell. At first I thought it was just an odd smell (like from the bag or something) but after changing 2 tubs the smell was just too strong and overpowering to be coming from anywhere other then the bedding and to be anything but some sort of chemical (I can't identify the chemical).

I stopped at this point and contacted Kaytee (waiting for a response). I will post an update once I hear back.

Has anyone had a similar issue with Kaytee or Aspen in general?

[Argentra]

Hmm, I have been noticing that the Aspen has a strange odor to it lately. But, since I move mine from the bags to bins (with ventilation), it airs out and the smell lessens, as does the slight moisture present when the bag is opened.

I would really like to hear what Kaytee says about this, though. Keep on them.

[tigger2curly]

We had gotten a bag from either petsmart or petco and it smelled weird. I took it back and got a refund.
To me it smelled like cedar, I could be wrong, but didnt like it.
I now go to our local TSC(tractor supply company)we get a big bag and its from Premier Pet brand name. Big bag for under $10.
I get my mice wood pellet bedding there and now that I looked around..I get my dog food from there too.
So it is real nice to go to one store and get most of the supplies I need.
Snakes, mice and dogs supplies and they are cheaper than the pet stores too.

So being cheaper in price, all in one store, I save on gas too.
It is a win-win thing for me.
Jan

[lord jackel]

We had gotten a bag from either petsmart or petco and it smelled weird. I took it back and got a refund.
To me it smelled like cedar, I could be wrong, but didnt like it.
I now go to our local TSC(tractor supply company)we get a big bag and its from Premier Pet brand name. Big bag for under $10.
I get my mice wood pellet bedding there and now that I looked around..I get my dog food from there too.
So it is real nice to go to one store and get most of the supplies I need.
Snakes, mice and dogs supplies and they are cheaper than the pet stores too.

So being cheaper in price, all in one store, I save on gas too.
It is a win-win thing for me.
Jan

I buy my rat pellets and feed at TSC too.

Unfortunately, my TSC doesn't carry Aspen. What they do carry is a mix of woods (...and when I asked pine and cedar were a major part)

[twh]

i'm sure TSC will order aspen for you.

also TSC are kent food dealers,kent makes a 19% and 23% protein rodent food (lab blocks) at a reasonable price.they may tell you it's not available because it's not on there order sheet,it's a special order item.

i stopped using kaytee aspen because of the strong odor,a woodsy smell not a chemical smell.have fun !

[Argentra]

No fair... that TSC place isn't in Colorado. Anything here that's comparable?

[twh]

there are four kent feed dealers in the denver area.check them out at kentfeeds.com

[Argentra]

Cool, I shall do that. Thanks!

[muddoc]

Does anybody know the name of the Kent Foods rodent chow. I called my local dealer, and they do not know it, and I have a call in to Evergreen Feeds to see if they can give it to me. I mostly want to find out the price, and availability in my area, to try and find an alternative to Harlan (since they want to make it hard to deal with them lately).

Thanks in Advance,

[twh]

kent feeds is not very aggresive in there marketing of rodent food,it's not even mentioned on there web site-go figure? if you call the corprate office they are very helpful with info and finding local dealers.

there's no name for there rodent food,the bag has pictures of pigs on it with a tag that says 19% rodent or 23% rodent.dealers have to call there distributors to "special" order it as it is not on there order forms.once you get it the first time then it becomes rountine for dealers.have fun !