The Hamster Guide

Some beddings have sneaky names to make you think they are safe.

 

Cedar Shavings- Cedar shavings are  unsafe. Cedar trees produce chemicals that are meant to protect the tree from being eaten by insects or infested with fungus. These chemicals have caused harm to living things. One such chemical is plicatic acid, which has destroyed cells. Cedar wood dust is a known inhalation hazard for human woodworkers, and has been known to cause asthma. Cedar has caused damage to the nervous system.

 

Pine shavings - Pine is dangerous to hamsters, even if it isn't "as bad" as cedar. It still has a strong potential to cause serious harm. Pine shavings contain similar toxins to cedar shavings. Pine contains abietic acid instead of plicatic acid. Abietic acid is a known skin and respiratory irritant. Pine has negative on lung function.

 

Kiln-dried pine shavings - Kiln-dried pine is a hotly-debated bedding type, with some claiming that it is safe. The main argument for kiln-dried pine is that the kiln-drying process somehow removes the harmful substances found in pine wood. However, there is very little (if any) evidence supporting this claim. First off, kiln-drying is designed to remove water from wood--nothing more, nothing less. Whether or not it truly removes any other substances is largely untested.

 

"Softwood" shavings - "Softwood" is a general term used to describe coniferous woods, including pine and cedar. Aspen (the only safe wood) is a hardwood, so anything labeled as softwood is definitely unsafe.

 

Unlabeled shavings - These shavings should be considered unsafe, simply because there is no way to ensure that they are safe. In addition, aspen is almost always clearly labeled as such. Unlabeled shavings are more likely to be pine than aspen.

 

Scented bedding -  While scented bedding may sound appealing to humans, it's not good for hamsters. Remember that your hamster has to live within inches of the bedding at all times, and that he or she has a much keener sense of smell than you do. The scent of the bedding will be much, much stronger to your hamster than it is to you. Imagine if everything in your home was drenched with perfume. Even if the perfume smelled good to you, it would quickly become overwhelming and bothersome. Scented bedding provides no benefit to your hamster, and can actually cause respiratory distress. Frankly, it's pointless to risk your hamster's health and comfort for something as silly as nice-smelling bedding.

 

Cotton fluff - This type of bedding is actually more of a nesting material. It may look soft and comfy, but it is one of the most dangerous types of bedding available. Cotton fluff can kill. Unlike wood and paper, cotton fibers do not break down in water (think of how cotton clothing can be washed and remain intact). If cotton fluff is eaten, it cannot be digested, and can form deadly blockages in the digestive system. The long fibers can tangle around feet, which can cut off circulation. Finally, cotton fluff simply a choking hazard, and can get caught in the throat.

 

Corn cob - There are a few different problems with corn cob bedding. The first is that it often absolutely loaded with fungal spores. Which means that at the slightest bit of moisture (drippy water bottle, urine), it can start to grow potentially harmful fungus. The second is that it is simply a hard, lumpy, uncomfortable material for a hamster to walk on.

 

- In order to keep hamsters safe and healthy, The following beddings are reccomended:

 

-Aspen wood shavings

 

-Unscented paper pulp (Carefresh and generic versions)

 

-Unscented shredded paper (Kaytee Clean & Cozy, Boxo)

 

-Unscented paper crinkles (EcoBedding, Carefresh crinkles)

 

-Unscented granule-type bedding (Kaytee Soft Granules)

 

-Unscented paper pellets (Vitakraft Fresh World)

 

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