[crackerkorean]

I was just curious if I could use the shredded paper in my paper shredder as either bedding or in a digging box for the little guy.

I am just not sure about the inks and what not.

 

[mopydream44]

I've read that the ink on newspaper can be harmful to their respitory systems! Maybe you can try using washable towles?

I've used carefresh, eco bedding, aspen chips and any combination of the three. I think carefresh had the worst odor when dirty but eco bedding is a bit harder, so it might be uncomfy on the ratties feet! My ratties didn't mind the eco bedding. They opt to sleep on hard surfaces anyway!

 

[crackerkorean]

I was thinking more of shredded junk mail. Just the 8.5 x 11 copy papers and not the glossy bits.

We used aspen bedding with our old rat and he seemed to like it so I am thinking about using that again. That and its avalible at walmart.

 

[chrisstrikeagain]

I'm unsure if you already know but NO pine or cedar bedding no matter what!!

shredded paper would worry me as a bedding and it wouldnt absorb well and the odor would reek. as a digg box, i think it should be ok. just watch what papers go in it. but even with that, i'm not 100% possitive.

 

[JennieLove]

I forgot what type of new paper/ink...but there are some papers have safe ink that you COULD use. I'll have to look it up. But for now I wouldnt do anything.

 

[crapola]

ginger & loco love having newspaper in their cage. i use it to line the bottom but loco ends up shredding it and it gets mixed in with the tissues as part of their bedding. most newpapers should be printed using non-toxic ink now anyway (i used to work at a newspaper).

 

[Sparker]

Fun idea:

Take a box or Tupperware container (the bigger the better) and cut a hole in the lid just big enough for your rats to get in and out of. Fill it loosely to the top with SAFE shredded paper and treats mixed in. They love it.

For safe paper, I have always used clean new unbleached computer paper put through the shredder. Does that sound safe to everyone? I researched it and it seemed okay...

 

[Vixie]

Soy based inks are safe.

 

[Sparker]

Soy based? Huh... good to know.