PSA about Coloured Popsicle Sticks

by MimzytheBun Tue 15 Nov 2016, 2:56 pm

So browsing around this forum and the wider web, I've come across a number of mouse/hamster set ups made with coloured popsicle sticks. Searching around my local stores, they were also the only ones I could find. Knowing from past experience the dye can run, I decided to soak them in hot water first. Boy am I glad I did. I think this picture speaks for itself: PSA about Coloured Popsicle Sticks DlsX6Va

PSA about Coloured Popsicle Sticks DlsX6Va

That is a LOT of dye. I filled the tupperware with hot water and left them to soak about five times, draining and rinsing them between. Not all of the colour disappeared, but here is an after pic: PSA about Coloured Popsicle Sticks IzooYSc

PSA about Coloured Popsicle Sticks IzooYSc

I left them to dry overnight and ended up with this (note the stains on the towel): PSA about Coloured Popsicle Sticks XAFV2O4

What does this mean? Well obviously if you want to be extra safe with your mousey pals, it seems it would be best to stay away from coloured popsicle sticks. If you have to use them, like I do, I'd recommend giving them a soak first as it certainly seems to have cleaned mine up.

by CallaLily Tue 15 Nov 2016, 5:29 pm

I've used them once before when I couldn't find natural ones. I don't think the dye washing off is necessarily proof that they're unsafe. I imagine it depends on what is used to color them. I can't really find any info on it (though I only did a quick look around so far).

If you want color and don't want to risk the unknown, you could dye natural ones with veggie based food coloring. Smile

by Peachy Tue 15 Nov 2016, 5:45 pm

It's interesting that the purple ones stayed so purple! lol

I've used colored sticks a couple times but always figured it was better to avoid them since there was never anything that said they were definitely safe. Soaking them first is a good idea! I know from cleaning my used ones, though, that waiting for them to dry again takes a lot of patience. Razz

by MouseLover Wed 16 Nov 2016, 10:50 am

I use coloured ones sometimes. The ones I buy say that they are coloured with "child safe dyes", and generally I tend to think if it's safe for children, it's safe for mice (e.g. with glues, coloured paper, popsicle sticks etc). I've never had any problems.

by MimzytheBun Wed 16 Nov 2016, 11:28 pm

MouseLover wrote:The ones I buy say that they are coloured with "child safe dyes", and generally I tend to think if it's safe for children, it's safe for mice (e.g. with glues, coloured paper, popsicle sticks etc).

I think that's great, the ones I have at home don't say ANYTHING about safety (nothing about 'non-toxic' or what chemicals are used) which is what made me concerned. Hopefully it isn't anything to worry about, but I'm a bit paranoid about everything.

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