View Full Version : What's the best litter?
lilangel
06-30-2006, 02:08 PM
Right now I use yesterday's news, but I don't think it's working for Jax. He digs in it and then curls up and next thing I know he's asleep in his litterbox! He goes everywhere in his cage except the litter box. His previous owner told me she used to use cat litter, but I'm nervous about that as I've heard that it can get stuck and clump in his nose, or cause respitory problems. So what's okay to use? Thanks for the help!
JuniorsMommy
06-30-2006, 02:28 PM
I use Swheatscoop clumping wheat liter. it is 100% biodegradable.It is even certified flushable in sewer or septic tanks.I have found that it works really well at eliminating the odor from when they go potty. It is wood,clay and paper free and non toxic. It is sold at petco,petsmart & target. their website is: www.swheatscoop.com (http://www.swheatscoop.com) .........it is also safe for them to burrow and dig in.
lilangel
06-30-2006, 02:37 PM
Thanks for posting about that, it sounds very great! Was it hard to train your ferrets to use it though? I'm just worried about Jax not using it. He's never even once used the yesterdays news. Maybe I'll buy a bag and test it out this weekend. Thanks!
Draconius
06-30-2006, 02:39 PM
I use yesterday's news and when there isn't any remenants of :shit: Kumo will dig in it. I make sure to leave some traces when I change the litter. If I hadn't just bought a new bag of yesterday's news I would look into that stuff.
KokosDaddy
06-30-2006, 02:46 PM
CaliWife1's babies are nearly perfect little angels. I'm sure she told them, in English, once what it was - and they were golden from then on.
I LOVE HER KIDS!!
JuniorsMommy
06-30-2006, 03:00 PM
Thanks for posting about that, it sounds very great! Was it hard to train your ferrets to use it though? I'm just worried about Jax not using it. He's never even once used the yesterdays news. Maybe I'll buy a bag and test it out this weekend. Thanks!
No it wasn't hard at all! Baby (my first) was a gift from a friend and she had her on scoop away cat liter....once i started learning about them and how bad cat liter is for them i made up my mind to change it.I found the swheatscoop ad in a ferrets magazine i bought in vegas...i called the 800 # because i couldn't find their small animal version of the litter anywhere! so anyways they said there is no difference between the small animal version and the cat liter one of this brand.
When i switched Baby i cleaned her potty really well,filled it up and let her dig in it. after about 5 minutes of this i took her potty out of her cage cleaned everything again and added more litter and put some of her :poop: in the corners of it. She has been a real pro at it ever since. Junior was very easy to get to go in there because of Baby showing him....Sulley is still learning...he was useing yesterdays news when i got him.....he is doing pretty good though for it only being a little over a week.
JuniorsMommy
06-30-2006, 03:02 PM
CaliWife1's babies are nearly perfect little angels. I'm sure she told them, in English, once what it was - and they were golden from then on.
I LOVE HER KIDS!!
OOOOOOHHHHHHHH no their not!LOL They were just on their best behavier that day!
WE LOVE YOU TOO!!!!
BadgersMama
06-30-2006, 03:40 PM
As Caliwife1 said, it's pretty easy to train them. Just put some :poop: in the corner of the box and your little one will find his way.
KokosDaddy
06-30-2006, 03:42 PM
Cuz I always feel the need to unload when I see some poo too...
Duhhh...
LOL
;)
i use the green marshall ferret litter and bandit doesn't mind using it at all.
karybear
06-30-2006, 07:21 PM
i used yesterdays news too i was using pottypearls but its clay so i switched them..they seem to like the yesterdays news they dig a lil bit but as long as they poo in it im good.
ferretmommy
06-30-2006, 11:00 PM
I've been using CellSorb by Kaytee since I had Mia (my 1st baby). I swear by this stuff.. It's biodegradable and flushable. It's basically recycled newspaper pellets without the glossy finish like Marshall's brand. Also, because the pellets are bigger than Marshall's brand and there's no glossy finish, the pee/poo is absorbed better. I get the large 28 quart bag from Petsmart for about $16.99. It usually lasts me about 3 weeks.
okay, i've read all the thread and i think that Swheat Scoop sounds like the best stuff...personally...but i keep wondering about the cat crystals. My cat uses them and i litterally can't smell the litter box. I was just curious if anyone has tried these (it'd be nice to just use one kind of litter for both but i'll definitely get whatever my ferrets need!). Anyway that's about it! Thanks!
Big_Bad_Dook_Momma
09-14-2006, 07:36 PM
Honestly I buy yesterday's news in the 26lb bags cat size! when im low on funds i buy rabbit(same thing!) yesterday's news! its worked great for my fat dooks
BadgersMama
09-14-2006, 07:51 PM
okay, i've read all the thread and i think that Swheat Scoop sounds like the best stuff...personally...but i keep wondering about the cat crystals. My cat uses them and i litterally can't smell the litter box. I was just curious if anyone has tried these (it'd be nice to just use one kind of litter for both but i'll definitely get whatever my ferrets need!). Anyway that's about it! Thanks!
You can use Swheat Scoop for cats and your kids! We also have 3 cats and I'm starting to think we need to us it for them as well. I'd stay away from the cat crystals. Swheat Scoop is made out of wheat... nothing to hurt your kids.
thanks badgersmomma! i'll look for swheatscoop at my local petstores!!! :)
BadgersMama
09-14-2006, 08:18 PM
thanks badgersmomma! i'll look for swheatscoop at my local petstores!!! :)
I promise you'll love it, there is no smell what so ever!:rockon:
KokosDaddy
09-14-2006, 08:21 PM
Phew... I saw the email notification that said something about cat crystals... and I couldn't get back here fast enough. Crystals, made from god knows what... can't be good for ferrets!!!
lol, you guys are so cute! no worries kokodaddy! it was just a question! :balloon: <---that's my head right there...somebody grab the string before it floats of into space!! :)
JuniorsMommy
09-14-2006, 08:32 PM
thanks badgersmomma! i'll look for swheatscoop at my local petstores!!! :)
They have it at petco, petsmart and target stores.....
rockin'! i love all those stores!! and all three are not far from me! :)
KokosDaddy
09-14-2006, 08:34 PM
:balloon:
:taz:
Even TAZ can't keep that balloon down!
BadgersMama
09-14-2006, 08:34 PM
Jrsmommy is the one that turned us on to it. I didn't like it for a couple of weeks because the kids played in it.... being normal kids. After they got use to it, I was much better about it. LOL
JuniorsMommy
09-14-2006, 08:35 PM
You really will love it!! Swheatscoop litter is the best litter I have seen and is safe for our babies!!!
oh, and I forgot to mention that there is no difference between the cat and the small animal version in this brand!!! I called a phone # I found for them and asked......lol
karybear
09-14-2006, 09:18 PM
i use the swheatscoop too and my ferrets adjusted to it fine..i love it..its sooo easy to clean and it doesnt smell!! its great and inexpensive
fintia
09-15-2006, 01:29 PM
I agree with badgersmama. At first it was a bit of a nightmare but now it is ok!!!
And there is no smell!!!:wub:
Bandie Bear MAMA
09-20-2006, 10:04 AM
i use yesterdays news and in the corners that she uses a little i put newspaper down..my kitty loves to do her business in it so it got coastly:surrender:
i use yesterdays news and in the corners that she uses a little i put newspaper down..my kitty loves to do her business in it so it got coastly:surrender:
my bandit is also paper-trained. he is so good about it, too. :) he uses his litter box when he's in the cage, and newspapers the rest of the time. :)
Bandie Bear MAMA
09-20-2006, 12:21 PM
my bandit is also paper-trained. he is so good about it, too. :) he uses his litter box when he's in the cage, and newspapers the rest of the time. :)
hehe that good it is easier to clean up ..:seesaw:
hehe that good it is easier to clean up ..:seesaw:
and on those rare occasions when he makes a mistake on the carpet (usually when we didn't spread down enough newspaper), it only takes a few squirts of nature's miracle to remove all stain and any odor.
BadgersMama
08-23-2007, 03:05 PM
Bump for TM. Please remember that the search function works really well.
Thorsmemory
10-07-2007, 10:45 PM
Has anyone ever had a problem with a fert being allergic to Yesterdays News or Swheat or Feline Pine? Teddy was sneezing his head off. Vet said it was an allergy so we started elimating stuff. First thing I changed was going from Yesterdays News to Feline Pine. The sneezing stopped and he hasn't had one sneeze in 2 days.
JuniorsMommy
10-08-2007, 04:52 AM
I haven't had a problem with Swheatscoop at all....I changed over to Swheatscoop about 2 years ago...I haven't used anything else since....
BadgersMama
10-08-2007, 07:47 AM
I'm with JM on this one.
KokosDaddy
10-08-2007, 07:48 AM
Be warned though, aspen is about the only type of wood-based litter that has no respiratory affects in ferrets. Pine typically has oils in it, that can upset their respiratory systems.
We use S'wheat Scoop, and have no problems whatsoever with the product. We also clean litter boxes twice a day, every day - without fail.
Thorsmemory
10-08-2007, 07:57 AM
I switched to the feline pine since that was what was being used before he got here. Do you need to do a slow transition when changing to swheatscoop like with their food? He loves the pine and is using the litter box now instead of the cage bottom. I am doing poo duty once a day. Maybe I should up that to 2 times a day.
ferretzrule
10-08-2007, 09:45 AM
I also use Swheatscoop, however, ferrets can develop allergies to wheat. I have not had any problems with it so far and I like that it is scoopable.
Pine products should be avoided for the very reasons outlined above. Yesterdays News is just recycled paper. If it is not cleaned diligently, it does develop mold which would definately cause an allergic reaction such as sneezing...and could lead to sinus infection.
The key is keeping those litter boxes clean and dry. When I get a new ferret that has used something other than Swheatscoop, I try to use a mix of the old litter and new...just to help with transition.
Megawee
10-08-2007, 03:06 PM
The s'wheatscoop works really great but my kids were dragging it everywhere! It was in their bedding,:online2long: all over the floor, the bottom of the cages and I was even finding it in their food bowls and I scooped at least twice a day. That was it for me. Regardless of the fact that it is biodegradeable I didn't like finding it in their food or the idea that they might be ingesting it. So I switched back to the Yesterday's News. The thing that worrys me about the Feline Pine, other than the afore mentioned reason of the pine oil, is the the fine dust that results when it breaks down with the urine and then dries. It gets all over everything. We used a similar product when I worked with horses and I hated it. The dust got in their eyes, up their noses, caked in their ears and was so deeply embedded in their coats that it took bath after bath to get it all out. Granted, the wees don't normally sleep on it but they are in and out of the litter box constantly so you will get similar effects only at a decreased level. This is just my 2 cents worth, and I do love to throw money around.:D
Big_Bad_Dook_Momma
10-08-2007, 09:11 PM
S'wheat Scoop huh...? I would've never thought of using that... Do they eat it? I was always worried that Molly was eating the carefresh bedding... (they're on yesterday's news)
ferretzrule
10-08-2007, 09:55 PM
S'wheat Scoop huh...? I would've never thought of using that... Do they eat it? I was always worried that Molly was eating the carefresh bedding... (they're on yesterday's news)
Nope, they don't eat it. They might snorkle in it though LOL! And if you buy it, get it from the cat section...I don't know why they charge more for ferret swheatscoop than they do for the cat....its the same product. :sneaky:
Big_Bad_Dook_Momma
10-08-2007, 10:01 PM
I know, they charge less for cat yesterdays news too! My ferts sure are snorkelers!
PPPPennsylvaniaFurrets
10-14-2007, 05:54 PM
I use wood pellets from tractor supply =) I get a 40lbs bag for $6!!!
When I first put it in there, Peedro being the hog that he was, kept eating it. I scruffed him and yelled and said no and scruffed and scruffed and scruffed....But he still kept doing it. Then Penelope went and crapped in it and he hasn't eaten any ever since! LOL
It is EXCELLENT for smell! I can't smell them at all unless they JUST got done going. And it's so cheap! Plus it won't stick to them like cat litter or clay litter =) When it gets wet it just turns in to mush.
KokosDaddy
10-14-2007, 05:59 PM
FYI PPP
We NEVER recommend that anyone EVER uses clay cat litter, or any litter that contains pine of any kind. What are the stove pellets made from? Aspen is safe...
PPPPennsylvaniaFurrets
10-14-2007, 06:04 PM
FYI PPP
We NEVER recommend that anyone EVER uses clay cat litter, or any litter that contains pine of any kind. What are the stove pellets made from? Aspen is safe...
Appalachia or some such. I know pine is bad for them so I made sure it wasn't pine. They don't sneeze or anything with it though so =)
KokosDaddy
10-14-2007, 06:06 PM
Appalachia or some such. I know pine is bad for them so I made sure it wasn't pine. They don't sneeze or anything with it though so =)
Fabulous!!!
Way to go!
PPPPennsylvaniaFurrets
10-14-2007, 06:09 PM
Fabulous!!!
Way to go!
Thanks!
Big_Bad_Dook_Momma
10-21-2007, 05:18 PM
We did it!
We made the switch to swheat scoup! I'm sure the cage will stay cleaner because it's easier to clean!
kfarlee
10-21-2007, 05:36 PM
FYI PPP
We NEVER recommend that anyone EVER uses clay cat litter, or any litter that contains pine of any kind. What are the stove pellets made from? Aspen is safe...
Actually, the woodstove pellets are cooked at such a high temp during the processing that it drives off the oils that cause problems in pine. I've been using generic woodstove pellets for years with no respiratory issues at all.
Meeko
10-22-2007, 06:46 AM
We use Yesterday's News. It works well for us.
Angela386
10-22-2007, 10:14 AM
So far I've tried Marshall's ferret litter and Yesterday's news. I kind of like the Marshall's but I'm not completely satisfied with it. Yesterday's news is OK but I think the Marshall's works a bit better than it. When I need litter next I'm thinking about making the switch to Swheat Scoop.
Bill&Jenn
10-22-2007, 10:52 AM
I just switched formYesterday news to Swheat Scoop. I think it keepsthe smell down but i m not sure i like the clean up. It seems the moisture clumps but it clumps to the bottom of the litter box and i have to take the pooper scooper and kinda push it out. Which means full litter box change instead of just the corner they are using 2 times a day =/ at 25 dollars a bag thats expensive. I used a 40 lb bag in 2 days.
branden
10-22-2007, 11:34 AM
same for me!!! im about to start useing swheat scoop:tt2:
Angela386
10-22-2007, 12:42 PM
I just switched formYesterday news to Swheat Scoop. I think it keepsthe smell down but i m not sure i like the clean up. It seems the moisture clumps but it clumps to the bottom of the litter box and i have to take the pooper scooper and kinda push it out. Which means full litter box change instead of just the corner they are using 2 times a day =/ at 25 dollars a bag thats expensive. I used a 40 lb bag in 2 days.
I haven't used Swheat scoop, but how deep are you making it in their box? When I first got my ferrets I found I was using way too much litter, since I'd only dealt with cat boxes before. Since the ferrets don't bury their waste I've found that about 1/2 an inch of litter will do them fine as long as you do daily cleanings. I also go through much less litter now.
Bill&Jenn
10-22-2007, 12:49 PM
I Use enough to cover the bottomof the litterpan. so they dont dig in it.
branden
10-22-2007, 12:57 PM
mine have allready started digging in theres...i mixed it with yesturdays news and problem solved:balloon:
Bill&Jenn
10-22-2007, 01:26 PM
mine have allready started digging in theres...i mixed it with yesturdays news and problem solved:balloon:
As long as I dont make it deep , mine wont dig.
branden
10-22-2007, 01:32 PM
yea my kuma is the main digger but neko sure liked digging in that litter...till i messed it up for her...:oops: =P
Kuma is my male dark sable :devil2: and Neko is my albino female :angel:
Big_Bad_Dook_Momma
10-22-2007, 03:40 PM
My floor is covered with litter! When they get a fresh litter change they dig but then they calm down. They also swim in it.
Petey n Polly
10-22-2007, 03:44 PM
I use wood pellets for horse bedding. My guys love it.
judy and i like the marshall farms litter. but bandit mostly uses newspaper outside the cage.
Thorsmemory
10-23-2007, 05:17 AM
judy and i like the marshall farms litter. but bandit mostly uses newspaper outside the cage.
That's a new one on me! I've never seen the MF litter. Our stores carry yesterday's news, feline and ferret pine, and of course all the kitty clay and scoupables. Heck, most of them don't even carry MF food.
That's a new one on me! I've never seen the MF litter. Our stores carry yesterday's news, feline and ferret pine, and of course all the kitty clay and scoupables. Heck, most of them don't even carry MF food.
the MF litter looks like green rabbit pellets. i am very surprised you have so few ferret supplies in TN. epecially since ferrets are legal there. judy and i have the same sort of problem here in VA, which is why we get most of our ferret supplies from ferret depot.
Thorsmemory
10-23-2007, 05:31 AM
What is it made of?
WEZIESMOM
10-23-2007, 05:38 AM
Question, When we got Wezie our first fuzzy he was used to using marshall's litter. I hated the way it smelled, so we switched to Feline Fresh(?), I get it at Wal-Mart. Small bag runs about $3.00. Anyway all have been doing fine and haven't had any problems. Yesterday I was reading on a post that Pine can cause resparitory problems in ferrets. So last night I looked as soon as I got home and sure enough the litter is 100% pine. OMG!!! I feel awful. Is this something I need to talk to a vet about, should we treat them for anything. Is there long term affects? :confused: :confused: :confused:
Thorsmemory
10-23-2007, 05:46 AM
Question, When we got Wezie our first fuzzy he was used to using marshall's litter. I hated the way it smelled, so we switched to Feline Fresh(?), I get it at Wal-Mart. Small bag runs about $3.00. Anyway all have been doing fine and haven't had any problems. Yesterday I was reading on a post that Pine can cause resparitory problems in ferrets. So last night I looked as soon as I got home and sure enough the litter is 100% pine. OMG!!! I feel awful. Is this something I need to talk to a vet about, should we treat them for anything. Is there long term affects? :confused: :confused: :confused:
There can be respiratory problems associated with the use of pine. I know a couple of shelters that use pine and have never had any problems. I use it because it's the only thing my wees will use! I was using Yesterday's News but noticed it started molding if left in the litter box more than 2 hours. It also attracted flies and gnats. Could just be my area though.
Anyway, if you are concerned, talk to your vet. Are you using Feline Pine?
What is it made of?
i'm not sure. i'll have to check. hold on...
it says on the bag, "compressed paper fibers". hope that helps.
Thorsmemory
10-23-2007, 05:49 AM
Ok. Then it's the same as Yesterday's News. No thanks. My guys won't use it. Neither will I after my experience with YN.
bandit pretty much uses newspapers we have spread out under plastic carpet runners in his room.
mayhemkb
10-23-2007, 08:07 AM
I also use compressed wood stove pellets. It is the only thing my boys will consider using. It cleans up so nicely too. 40lbs for $3. Whoo Hoo!
Dancies!
Bill&Jenn
10-23-2007, 08:30 AM
There can be respiratory problems associated with the use of pine. I know a couple of shelters that use pine and have never had any problems. I use it because it's the only thing my wees will use! I was using Yesterday's News but noticed it started molding if left in the litter box more than 2 hours. It also attracted flies and gnats. Could just be my area though.
Anyway, if you are concerned, talk to your vet. Are you using Feline Pine?
Same thing happened here. Within a week of having yesterday news I noticed gnats. I was ticked. NO matter how often I cleaned the box a day it was a battle. So I changed litter. Havnt seen one since. YAY. NOw im fighting the clumping lol!
Sorry about my typing my computercrashed and my hubbies keyboard is :shit: !
Big_Bad_Dook_Momma
10-23-2007, 03:59 PM
I was using Yesterday's News but noticed it started molding if left in the litter box more than 2 hours. It also attracted flies and gnats. Could just be my area though.
Anyway, if you are concerned, talk to your vet. Are you using Feline Pine?
OMG!!! That is my problem with it! One time I forgot to clean the litter for two days and there was baby knats in it!!!! :no: :no:
Thorsmemory
10-24-2007, 12:06 AM
I personally cannot stand the moldy smell. And if it bothers me, I can just imagine how the ferrets feel with their sensitivity to smells.
Colleen
03-21-2008, 09:05 AM
Actually, the woodstove pellets are cooked at such a high temp during the processing that it drives off the oils that cause problems in pine. I've been using generic woodstove pellets for years with no respiratory issues at all.
Kevin, have you used the wood pellets for cats also?
ferretzrule
03-21-2008, 09:25 AM
I have used them for both the fuzzies and my cat. The fuzzies will only play in the stuff...the cat used it once but didn't really care to dig in it afterward. So it was back to Swheatscoop and I have a whole bag of wood stove pellets now :no:
I did figure out that if I get the pellets wet, then let them dry out...the product will return to sawdust stage making it great for composting if nothing else. :o
Colleen
03-21-2008, 10:45 AM
I figured at this price I'd give it a try.
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