Cell-sorb Plus questions

[Ratboys' Mum]

 
Hello. I have been reading such good things about Cell-sorb Plus, and I have some questions.
1) for those who have used this and walnut shell, what do you and your ratties prefer and why?
2) is Cell-sorb Plus strictly pelleted or is there a version that is more soft/fluffy (similar in texture to Care Fresh)?
Thank you!
Kathryne, Ibi, and Wysi ~( 8:> <:8 )~  

[ratpaws_roger]

Kathryne,

I can't help you on question # 1, but I can help with # 2.

Cell-Sorb Plus only comes in one version, but the pellet is not that hard when compared to the hard pellet version of Yesterday's News. I don't know how it compares to the new soft version of YN.

I must say that we absolutely love Cell-Sorb Plus. It is the only litter that I "swear by". It simply cannot be beat for absorbency or odor control. We switched all our rodents to it a while back.

Having said that, it is pricey and somewhat hard to find (for some). We have not as yet found a local supplier that is guaranteed to have it ( although the local Petsmart says they might begin to stock it regularly ). We usually end up paying out the wazzoo for it online @ ferretstore.com . We offset the cost by going with a 60/40 mix of Cell-Sorb Plus to Yesterday's News ( hard pellet version ). This works to my satisfaction, but I would rather go with 100% Cell-Sorb Plus. It is simply that good.

Cheers,

Roger

[Christy]

Having said that, it is pricey and somewhat hard to find (for some). We have not as yet found a local supplier that is guaranteed to have it ( although the local Petsmart says they might begin to stock it regularly ). We usually end up paying out the wazzoo for it online @ ferretstore.com .

You can get a 40lb bag here for almost the same price as a 20lb bag at ferretstore.   Shipping costs are added but it's still cheaper in the long run!

http://www.leithpetwerks.com

[ratpaws_roger]

Hi Christy,

Yes, we looked at Leith before, but you are forgetting that the Ferret Store has free shipping. Ferret Store is actually cheaper, but not by much. Here are the figures:

Leith:
40lb bag @ 21.39
UPS grnd to Vegas @ 32.35
Total Cost = $53.74 @ $1.34 per pound of litter

Ferret Store:
2x 20.5lb bags @ 48.64
Shipping Free
Total Cost = $48.64 @ $1.18 per pound of litter

Neither store is better than the other by any significant amount.

Cheers,

Roger

Edit : Christy, I ran Leith shipping for a Louisville area code, now I see why you thought it would be cheaper It was less than half of what it is to ship out to here. Now that would be a bargain. Too bad for us out here in Vegas.

[BabyBlue]

Like Roger said, Cellsorb pellet isnt as hard as Yesterday's News, and I've tried the soft texture/scented one and found that it's not really softer but the pellets are just smaller

Anyhow, I've used both crushed walnut and Cell sorb. I can't say which my rats prefer, altho if it was just on how it looks I'd go with crushed walnut. I really liked being able to scoop out the raisins with crushed walnut too, it just kept everything nice and clean longer that way. I think odor control wise, cell sorb is probably a little better. I really liked crushed walnut and would still be using it if my rats weren't making such a mess out of it!

[Christy]

Hi Christy,

Yes, we looked at Leith before, but you are forgetting that the Ferret Store has free shipping. Ferret Store is actually cheaper, but not by much. Here are the figures:

Leith:
40lb bag @ 21.39
UPS grnd to Vegas @ 32.35
Total Cost = $53.74 @ $1.34 per pound of litter

Ferret Store:
2x 20.5lb bags @ 48.64
Shipping Free
Total Cost = $48.64 @ $1.18 per pound of litter

Neither store is better than the other by any significant amount.

Cheers,

Roger

Edit : Christy, I ran Leith shipping for a Louisville area code, now I see why you thought it would be cheaper It was less than half of what it is to ship out to here. Now that would be a bargain. Too bad for us out here in Vegas.

Ahhh I didn't take into account the different shipping for different areas!  It was only $13 to ship here.  Oops, sorry!  If I come across anyone in your area that sells it I'll let you know.  

[EmilyRugburn]

I've been using it lately, too, just to see how it works.

Right now the rats have it in the huge condo, but they don't really smell anyway, so I'm not noticing much difference there.  I like that I can scoop out bits of the Cell Sorb and flush it, though!  That's been nice!

We are also trying it in the dwarf hamster cage.  Lemme tell ya---those 2 teensy animals stench up a room more quickly than 4 adult female rats!  They are GROSS!  I have been VERY pleased with the Cell Sorb in their cage.  It's been 5 days, and we've only been scooping litter and replacing it.  We haven't had to do a FULL bedding change yet.  I can smell it coming, though.  Maybe a couple more days and we'll have to completely change out the bedding.

[AmoLaZucca]

I absolutely:heart:       Cel-Sorb Plus!  I've tried everything, and it is SO worth the extra money!  

My local Petsmart stocked it a few weeks ago, and I bought two bags.  I still have plenty!  No odor (and I have SMELLY girls!), no mess and no sticky soggy gross stuff.    

Problem is, that it is no longer on the shelf, and they are telling me that it might have been a "promotional shipment."  GRRRR!  Now I think I'll have to order online, and I hate that.  But it IS by far, THE BEST!!!!!!!!!

[Noe]

I haven't used Cellsorb, but I use and love walnut shell. No dust, good odor control, doesn't stick to things, can be sifted to last longer, and $10 for 50 lbs.

[SilverFuzzRattery]

Where does everyone get crushed Walnut, just at regular petstores?  I've never seen it around here, and have been reduced to using corn cob, but it doesn't control odors at ALL, so I'd like to look into walnut bedding.

[Noe]

We get it at the local feed and supply store. You probably have one around you - you know, they don't sell animals, and have a lot of barn and farm supplies in addition to house pet supplies.

[jo.lin]

Where does everyone get crushed Walnut, just at regular petstores?  I've never seen it around here, and have been reduced to using corn cob, but it doesn't control odors at ALL, so I'd like to look into walnut bedding.

check the bird section... that's where i've seen it.

[Noe]

check the bird section... that's where i've seen it.

Yeah, but it usually comes in little bags there. The 50 lb is a much better deal pricewise if you can find it.

[BabyBlue]

Petsmart has it in the bird section, and it comes in 25lb bag (I think) for about $15. Can't remember exactly. But Lenore's right, if you can find a larger bag, it'll be cheaper. Besides, I didn't feel very good buying KAYTEE brand

[Ratboys' Mum]

Another good walnut shell litter is the ESU Reptile Desert Blend litter made from English walnuts. But some places charge more for this brand than for the Kaytee brand. PetSmart usually carries it in 5 and 10 lb bags.

[Ensie]

I bought my walnut shell at my local feed store, rather than a pet store. Better prices, better selection, and I'm not tempted by the cute and fuzzies. Anyway, I picked up a huge bag (50 lbs.) for pretty darn cheap. Can't remember exactly, though. If they don't have something, I'll always ask if they can order it. The answer is frequently "yes" and I don't have to pay for shipping. I try to buy everything from my local feed store or reliable online stores.

[Wolfchan]

I adore Cellsorb, but I've found lately that it works best when I mix it with a bit of Aspen. 0.o