I just brought home a new hamster and I am using natural pine for his bedding. Is this harmful for a golden hamster?
2007-02-27 14:12:58 · 11 answers · asked by alwaysmoody7 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
You will get several answers to this....
I have always used pine with my hamster (she lived to be 2.5 years old) my husband has always used it for his hamster as well as our mice.
Cedar shavings give off something (forget the word) that can make them sick.... stay away from them.
Aspin shavings are another alternative, though they're more expensive.
Corncob bedding is another option, however we found that really none of our pets liked it.....
For other hamster info please go to our website: http://4einc.info and click on "our pets" button.
2007-02-27 14:18:24 · answer #1 · answered by jessicadiamond_4einc 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I've had over 40 hamsters over the years. Pine shavings have never been a problem for any of the ones I had. Cedar shavings are damaging to the animals because of the aeromatics given off by them.
2007-02-27 22:47:59 · answer #2 · answered by justanotherunknown 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best and cheapest bedding by far is shredded old clothing. You know for sure that the dust or odors from the wood will not harm their respiratory system. Best off all you can wash and re-use. No more spending money on overpriced bedding. Plus you have to admit, you would probably rather sleep in comfy old cotton t-shirts than strips of tree bark basically.
2007-02-28 18:26:27 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pine and Cedar, especially Cedar tend to be very acidic. The acid content can cause liasons on the pads of their feet, cause them to become sick, and numerous other problems. Other types of bedding you can use is Aspen, Corncob, shredded recycled paper, or a combination there of. There are also cotton balls for hamsters that they can use for nests. A very good variety is "SweetDreams". Just remember to use what ever seems to satisfy your pet the most.
2007-02-27 22:22:40 · answer #4 · answered by clytisciasha 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All of the literature I have read states that pine is not safe for small mammals. The best one that I have read about is recycled paper product. Not only is this good for the environment, but it is also odorless. Either way, if you aren't sure (based on the varied responses).. I would rather be safe than sorry =)
2007-02-27 22:43:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it isn't. It is actually a good bedding to use. If the smell is what you are trying to get rid of this is a good idea. There are others that do the same thing, though, that don't use as much and last longer. (ie: Carefresh bedding) Either way it sounds as though you and your hamster are off to a good start.
2007-02-27 22:19:31 · answer #6 · answered by onzanzabarsands@sbcglobal.net 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes it can be harmful. It can cause problems with the respiratory system and liver.
Recycled paper products are a much safer alternative to wood shavings.
Check out this site, http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/ratbedding.html
it has lots of great info and more links to problems wood bedding can cause
2007-02-27 22:18:38 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
nope! i have a hamster and i just got it today, but out of all the other ones, they love the pine bedding!
2007-02-27 22:19:43 · answer #8 · answered by mackenzie d 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
wal-mart carries a bedding called critter care that is made from recycled paper products. it is very absorbant and controls odor. one bag is good for about 3 cage cleanings for a cage about 10 gallon fish tank size. it costs 3 to 4 dollars.
2007-02-28 02:36:30 · answer #9 · answered by heather l 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok, i had 22 hamsters all at once. there isn't a special bedding. it will very. here's a pointer. they love sunflower seeds. i prefer teady-bear hamsters. after 22, you kinda have to. lol.
2007-02-27 22:23:59 · answer #10 · answered by lynngirl91 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋