Kaolin

Kaolin (hydrated aluminum silicate) is used as an adsorbent to remove toxins. It is also used as the substrate for testing Pica, or clay-eating after an aversive treatment.

Recipe for making Kaolin blocks, based on Woods papers, I think:

99 g kaolin (Sigma K7375)

1 g gum arabic (Sigma G-9752)

approx. 350 ml dH20

bake until dry.

Kaolin Pellets from Research Diets

Pricing for K50001 (1/2inch diameter pellet for rats and mice):

12.5 kg: $30/kg

25 kg: $25/kg

50 kg: $20/kg

100+ kg: $17/kg

250+ kg: $16/kg

500+ kg: $15/kg

(Research Diets 2011-4-20 also offered to make 3/16 inch pellets for guinea pigs, but I think we'll try the big pellets first.)