Kaytee Aspen shavings - dust problem

[Ursula]

I've used Aspen shavings in my aviary ever since I built it over 4 years ago and never had problems. However, it seem that the last couple of batches of kaytee Aspen shavings that I bought seem very dusty. I just replaced all of the shavings and put a complete new layer in, and I can see the dust flying up. I also noticed lately that the adjacent dining room gets extremely dusty, so much that we actually got an air purifier and it makes it better but doesn't eliminate it completely. Now I'm not only worried about my birds' health but our own and our dogs'. It can't be healthy having so much dust around!

I also always found that the bedding smelled fresh and clean out of the bag. These last batches didn't smell "woody" either and the shavings aren't as soft as they used to be, they are much coarser.


Do any of you use Aspen shavings and if yes, what brand do you use? Did some of you also experience a loss I'm quality in Katyee's?

[cindy]

Ursural, I noticed a switch in the aspen by KayTee also. It seemed to be dusty and did not smell nice. It actually started bothering me when I used it, most likey from the dust. I went back to white paper towels in the trays.

If you have a feed store nearby she if they have a large bale of kiln dried aspen...some are wrapped in a plastic bag, one brand I picked up smelled so strong I had to air it out.

[Ursula]

Thanks Cindy! I do have a feed store near and will check it out.

At least I'm also not the only one who noticed the change in quality. I thought maybe I'm imagining things. And I think my husband also thought I'm overreacting.

[cindy]

We ladies need to stick together ....definately changed the quality of the product!!!!

[CandoAviary]

Noticed this also..I have switched to the aspen shavings made by carefresh...there is a small amount of the carefresh paper added to the shavings..I am loving it so far
I also like the natural all paper carefresh
The wood shavings:
http://www.petco.com/product/113567/Car ... SiteSearch

[cindy]

Wiil have to check that out Candace...I use the Care Fresh when I am leaving for a few days so my husband doesn't have to change papers.

[Ursula]

Thanks, Candace! I'll check it out. I've read though that the carefresh can also be dusty. So you're saying this one isn't?

I've also found a product on the Internet that sounds great. It is supposed to be dust free and hypoallergenic.
http://www.airliteusa.com/

I've emailed with the sales guy and they don't have many suppliers yet in the US, he says mostly vets buy it by the truckload. The closest to me is in SC but he has a potential client in GA not far from where I live, and if that client buys it I'll try to buy off a few bags. I like the idea that it's clean and dustfree and also environmental friendly. I'll keep you posted if I can get it...

[L in Ontario]

I use Apsen Shavings by NEPCO for my Button Quail. No dust at all here.

http://www.labbedding.com/aspenshavings.html

[Ursula]

Thanks, Liz!

Unfortunately they don't seem to have a distributor in Georgia though, according to their website. Do you order it or pick it up?

[L in Ontario]

Thanks, Liz!

Unfortunately they don't seem to have a distributor in Georgia though, according to their website. Do you order it or pick it up?

I get it from my local petstore (thank goodness) as I am in Canada. It's very economical I thought - even here!