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Beetle Bedding

Discussion in 'Skulls and Skeletons' started by WMtaxi, Feb 22, 2015.

  1. Feb 22, 2015 #1
    WMtaxi

    WMtaxi Member

    215
    0
    Aspen or paper?? What do you prefer and why? Im going to be expanding to a second colony and want to know what others are using. Im using aspen right now and they seem to be loving it and rapidly multiplying but is paper better? I did some searching and seems to be mixed feelings about the wood.
     
  3. Feb 23, 2015 #2
    Catskin Cap

    Catskin Cap New Member

    12
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    UK
    I don't know if you saw the topic, but I recently had an incident using wood shavings I was told were safe that killed off an entire colony in a day.
    Personally, I'd be safe and stick with paper, I know I am from now on.
     

  5. Feb 23, 2015 #3
    Sea Wolf

    Sea Wolf Well-Known Member

    14,141
    2,262
    Taxachusetts
    When I have a colony I use shredded newspaper. I have a shredder and the newspaper is free. I avoid the colored printed advertizing sections and just use the regular sheets.
     
  6. Feb 23, 2015 #4
    PA

    PA Well-Known Member

    1,989
    2,763
    Old cotton batting about an inch thick on the bottom of the aquariums I run. Been using cotton for 34 years in my current job. The bedding moderates humidity and provides a good environment to pupate. I have cleaned circa 15,000 skulls and skeletons during that time period, but most smaller birds.
     
  7. Feb 23, 2015 #5
    WMtaxi

    WMtaxi Member

    215
    0
    I have been using the wood for about a year and the beetles are thriving so im not worried about it killing them. I just figured the paper would drwn more moisture when it got humid? Also i tried the cotton batting and i hated it and seemed like the bugs were eating that more then the skulls. After i switched too aspen they seemed to multiply very fast. Im leaning towards the paper for the next colony just to see the difference but wanted some opinions first:) thanks guys
     
  8. Feb 24, 2015 #6
    BNS

    BNS New Member

    52
    1
    I would second the cotton batting. I would add to use natural cotton batting (unprocessed) to decrease introducing chemicals used in the treatment of the cotton. Paper, wood etc... can have insecticides that will harm if not kill your colony.
    I buy a bulk roll through Van Dykes and always test a small piece in one of my colonies before using throughout.
     
  9. Feb 24, 2015 #7
    WMtaxi

    WMtaxi Member

    215
    0
    Like i said i also had the cotton batting but the dang beetles never wanted to come out of it to eat the skulls they just ate the batting. I have had mine in the aspen snake bedding for over a year and they are thriving so i guess im going to go with the if it aint broke dont fix it theory :) i appreciate all the input and keep it comming!
     
  10. Feb 24, 2015 #8
    hairy perch

    hairy perch New Member

    1,423
    2
    Winder GA.
    Same as Seawolf
     
  11. Feb 25, 2015 #9
    CA Trapper

    CA Trapper Member

    580
    1
    Paper from the paper shredder at work. No issues here