newspaper over two weeks old are not safe

[Eve2]

From this website. How old is the newspaper that you use to line your bird's cage?

I first heard about this a couple of years ago and came across this today. It may be of interest to some of the members here. When I first heard of this I stopped using newspaper. I put puppy training pads in the bottom of my cages.

Some of the article: Realistically, if your bird is healthy – this may not be something you have to worry about. New newspapers are perfectly safe to use. Aspergillus spores exist naturally in our environment and a healthy bird’s immune system fights them off easily and daily. However, if you have a bird with another illness that is already impacting your bird’s immune system, then this is definitely something you need to be aware of as your bird is likely to be more susceptible.

It makes sense to avoid taking the risk of exposing your bird to high levels of aspergillus spores if you can. It’s why the newspapers in the bottom of my cages are always under 2 weeks of age. It’s also one of the reasons why I lightly spray misted water over any cage lining and then roll it before I remove/disturb it. I don’t want any spores or dust becoming air born if I can help it.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Thanks for this!

I have sometimes hoarded papers and let them get "stale"... I won't be doing that anymore!

 

[SailBoat]

I am surprised that the article did not provide any sourcing information. Nor did it define what was causing the 'growth' of Asperillosis on the news paper and where that 'growth' was only on the outer surfaces or throughout the sheet, etc... Was there a difference in where and how the paper was stored, etc...

Its good information, but!

 

[wrench13]

Two weeks? Wow, 2 days is the regime here. I wouldn't want to see Saltys cage papers after 1 week!

 

[texsize]

Yep. My birds defiantly like there news fresh. Even 2 day old newspaper just wont due. I want my birds to stay informed.

 

[Flboy]

Wow! Next thing they will be saying sprouts are unsafe!

 

[SailBoat]

Two weeks? Wow, 2 days is the regime here. I wouldn't want to see Saltys cage papers after 1 week!

Yep. My birds defiantly like there news fresh. Even 2 day old newspaper just wont due. I want my birds to stay informed.

If I understand the article correctly. They are talking about the age of the Paper 'before' it is even placed in the cage. Not how long that paper sits under the Parrot. Good God! A week under our Amazon would be deep piles! A day is on the long side in our household!

 

[Eve2]

Here is another site that says the same about old news papers: Lining Birdcages with Newspaper - The Pet Wiki

All I know about it is what I have read. As I understand it has something to do with what papers are made of and the moisture in the air, and mold spores are air born, put together not good for our birds. Old books smell musty, right?

 

[SailBoat]

Here is another site that says the same about old news papers: Lining Birdcages with Newspaper - The Pet Wiki

All I know about it is what I have read. As I understand it has something to do with what papers are made of and the moisture in the air, and mold spores are air born, put together not good for our birds. Old books smell musty, right?

Please understand that I am not distracting from your concern, it is well founded. My frustration is with the total lack of detail that the articles provided as to what they are basing their conclusions.

Please note that in the most recent article you provided had in its body is this statement: "Birds that are immune-compromised, have other diseases, with poor cage hygiene practices, are more prone to the disease."

The sad problem is that they did not take the simple next step to support what they are offering. Hence, my statement: "Nor did it define what was causing the 'growth' of Asperillosis on the newspaper and where that 'growth' was only on the outer surfaces or throughout the sheet, etc..."

The reason I am bring up this point is that with just a little more effort they could have provided a strong clear definition of the concern and what conditions are of most concern regarding the growth of Asperillosis on newsprint. You are correct, older books 'can smell musty' and at the same time in a dry storage, they 'may never smell musty.'

For those individuals who store their newsprint products in moist areas with limited air exchange. Please follow the two week guideline. For those who dry store their products, be concerned, and avoid extended storage.

The other sad part about the Articles was that at no point was the level of Asperillosis found in the air and throughout of the facility was never provided. A great opportunity missed by simply not providing the additional information.

You did a wonderful job of bring this subject to light! Once again, thank-you!

 

[ParrotLover2001]

...
Umm...
The newspaper I use is up to a year old.
Wow, ummm. Ok then, umm.
I've been using my late grandfathers "stash" of papers, so the newspapers are kinda old.
Hmmm, I have nothing else to use, but my birds are healthy...at least I think.


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[adz1984]

...
Umm...
The newspaper I use is up to a year old.
Wow, ummm. Ok then, umm.
I've been using my late grandfathers "stash" of papers, so the newspapers are kinda old.
Hmmm, I have nothing else to use, but my birds are healthy...at least I think.

Nuclearpapers?

 

[Scott]

Interesting story, will have to verify with my AV next visit. I do use some papers that are up to a month old, but are stored in a cool and dry location.