I remember reading somewhere in these posts that colored newspaper is bad for gliders =- can anyone tell me why that is? Im just curious

I think it's the chemicals and such that they use in the ink to print pictures onto the paper. That's what I think I am sure someone else will come by with a more extensive awnser to you question

i ask because i recently changed my babies cages and there was a bit of color on the newspaper - its hard to find newspaper that doesnt have any color on it -Im just wondering if i need to take it out or if its ok?

It is hard to find even a few pages of the paper without color pictures and ads! Check with your local paper's print shop. In the Texas Master Gardeners class several years ago, when discussing using newspapers as mulch and weed barrier for vegetable gardens, we were told that most of the inks now used are vegetable-based and not petroleum-based, and thus safe; but there are still exceptions. Petroleum-based inks will release harmful chemicals into the soil when wet. Also, never use the slick paper that magazines and lots of ads are printed on. Now this information comes from the Texas A&M Agricultural Extension, so I feel that it's accurate. If there's another reason, I'm sure someone will come along and explain it.

I believe that's exactly it...you can call your newspaper and ask them what kind of ink they use also.

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Originally posted by snusie

It is Now this information comes from the Texas A&M Agricultural Extension, so I feel that it's accurate. If there's another reason, I'm sure someone will come along and explain it.

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First off let me let out a long, loud WHOOP (I got to A&M)!! And now, I didn't know newspapers were harmful to gliders, looks like I still have alot to learn. whast about paper bags? Like the ones from HEB? we've been using butcher paper but I noticed we were out last clage cleaning and thought it would be good to use "in a quick fix". I hope I didn't harm the little guys, i'd feel terrible.

Black and white is fine and for the most part, colored is too-as long as it's the vegetable dye. Lots of us use newspaper.

I buy a roll of paper from Lowe's - in the paint department. It is meant to be used to protect areas when painting but it is great on the bottom of the cage pan. I had been using fleece and they liked to pull it up into the cage. So far (2 weeks) they have been leaving the paper alone. The roll I got is 18 inches wide but I noticed they also have a wider roll - about 30 inches that is brown paper like a grocery bag that would be good for bigger cages. I use it in the bird cage too. The roll cost less than $3.00 I think.

how about cat liter is that harmful to them or is it ok to use it?

Cat litter has chemicals in it to mask odor. Also some types of cat litter have "dust" in them. Both the chemicals and dust can cause respiratory problems for our little guys.

And - if they eat it, can cause intestinal blockage.

My answer would be no, its not safe.

Rolls of white or brown butcher paper is an interesting and easy way to paper cage trays.

Candy - I buy a roll similar to that - but it is actually Construction Paper.

It made me laugh. I always wondered why they called it Construction Paper- when it was used for kids' art projects. But - when I saw it on the big roll at the hardware story - I realized ... duh! Construction!

I like it because it is a bit absorbent. I have a huge roll. I roll it out under the birds' cages - to keep thrown things from sticking on the floor. And under the gliders cages, too. Easy to replace when necessary!