Newspaper inc

[rcain10]

I've recently obtained a leopard gecko and have been keeping it on newspaper. When I showed the tank to the original owner he told me not to use newspaper because of the ink, yet I see people using it all over the place. Is there a special kind of newspaper to use? As of right now it's on your typical NY Times with color ink and all.

 

[hamby92]

i would ditch the newspaper all together and use paper towels if your going for the cheap route if not id invest in some tiles or repti carpet

 

[rcain10]

I would do that, but I'm tight on money and can get the newspaper for free.

 

[grboxa]

i dont want to be rude, but if you are that tight on money where papertowel isnt even an option you shouldn't of obtained a leopard gecko...what if it needed a vet visit?. Ditch the news paper and find a way to get papertowel..shouldnt be that hard to get a roll from somewhere.

 

[Shan]

i dont want to be rude, but if you are that tight on money where papertowel isnt even an option you shouldn't of obtained a leopard gecko...what if it needed a vet visit?. Ditch the news paper and find a way to get papertowel..shouldnt be that hard to get a roll from somewhere.

Agreed 100% - when I kept my leo on paper towels I only had to change them every few days or so at the cost of pennies. I can't imagine purposefully keeping an animal on a substrate that is substandard because it is free. I don't think it is fair to the animal.

 

[grboxa]

Agreed 100% - when I kept my leo on paper towels I only had to change them every few days or so at the cost of pennies. I can't imagine purposefully keeping an animal on a substrate that is substandard because it is free. I don't think it is fair to the animal.

and most of the times the gecko assigns a area where he releases feces..put a extra piece on that spot and wala.

 

[rcain10]

My apologies, its not that I don't have the money for paper towel (yes bad word choice on my part). I do have plenty to properly take care of my leo. If I were to use just paper towel I would need to have many layers to help insulate the tank so temps don't get too high. I like to keep it at 97ish on the warm side. So if I were to put a layer of paper towel over the newspaper would that be acceptable? Reason for asking is because my roommates are all sustainability freaks and they would be angry if I used thatto many, yes they really are that bad . Obviously if it was unsafe for my leo I would do I would ignore them do what's right for her. I did not mean to upset anyone and I assure you that my leo is being well cared for, and already on paper towel now. Thanks

 

[Jusselin]

dont worry about the "straight forwardness" of peeps here, they just love the leos like you and i =] glad to hear you are taking care of the situation though.....

 

[JordanAng420]

So if I were to put a layer of paper towel over the newspaper would that be acceptable?

I think that would be fine. There shouldn't be a problem with that. You're in Florida, Publix sells paper towels for about 25 - 50 cents a roll for their store brand. Just pick up an extra roll the next time you all go shopping.

 

[JordanAng420]

PS: I believe the only problem with Newpaper is a cosmetic issue...the ink gets all over their feet and can make them look like they just walked through mud...the ink itself, however I do not believe is toxic.

 

[jermh1]

last I heard most newspaper ink in the US is vegatable oil based and is non toxic. If I got the paper I would use it. I think not using it comes down to animal keepers voodoo. I use regular 8 1/2 x 11 used copier paper, and my gekos baisicly just poop on it, ill have to do a night time stake out to see if they are trying to lick the letters off.

 

[Desdemona]

Newspaper Ink is non-toxic, there are federal laws mandating it. A dirty looking gecko would be a side effect though, that ink will rub off. A lot of various pet people use it though.