Newspaper shredding

[tinypixiexoxo]

In her previous/temp cage, I've put fleece down on the bottom to prevent her from stepping on wire, but the fleece I have currently doens't cover the whole thing. So I put newspaper under the fleece, to cover the part that is exposed. ......She has spent all day shredding the news paper (making a royal mess)...

She has 2 hanging toys, a chew log (not the snak shak, don't worry), and lots of wood things to chew... but she spent all day shredding news paper, quite enjoying herself. Is this safe for her to do? Is there any ink/dye issues with newspaper? Is there something else that is safe but similar I could offer her? I want her to have fun!

(or.. the possibility that it was not fun for her?) What do you experienced chin owners think? opcorn:

 

[AZChins]

You could try brown paper bags. I don't like the chins getting into the newspaper, but it isn't really harmful. It isn't the best thing for her, it won't hurt her unless she's eating it. She's probably going to shred anything paper that you put into the cage. Chins love to tear apart paper.

 

[tinypixiexoxo]

Thank you. Most newspapers are soy ink based, but the ingestion thing concerns me as well. Brown paper bags sounds good, and a great way to reuse them!

 

[AZChins]

Always ask for paper at the grocery if you don't take your own bags.

The ink in the newspaper isn't a big deal, it's the risk for impaction if the chin eats it. It's the same with any other paper. Carefresh is essentially wadded up newspaper, it can cause problems for chins if they ingest it.

 

[tinypixiexoxo]

Good call. I don't even use that crap for my hamsters!

I do use my own bags, but I shall ask for brown next time.

I also notice on the pet websites there are things for birds called Shredders? If you need a link, I shall provide. I wonder if those would be fun?

Wicker I am also learning is fun for them.

 

[Newt]

you can buy little woven mats for putting over the wire... those are quite cheap if I remember correctly...

 

[ticklechin]

I like to use chubes for paper shredders-they are hard cardboard tubes that are made for animal consumption, it takes more chewing work to get the paper unwound and most chins dig them.

 

[Amethyst]

I also notice on the pet websites there are things for birds called Shredders?

If you are talking about the palm leaf shredders they are safe, and fun for chins to shred. I also buy bamboo crunchers (finger traps), sisal rope (tie it the side of the cage in strips or weave into the bars), sea grass rope also works, and you can get bamboo, willow, or palm leaf toss balls. You can also make toys with the rope too, either tying it up in a ball or stringing toys parts on it. As mentioned grass mats can work to cover the wire floor too and grass huts can be fun to tear apart too.