cheap safe hamster bedding??

thriftymoo

hi

ive just got my first hamster and im currently using hamster "fluff" type bedding and wood shavings as bedding for him but was wondering if there are any cheaper materials that can be used that are safe? was thinking about shredded paper but didnt know if this would be toxic because of ink??

thanks

L x

Miiri

Would personally avoid the fluff - it can cause problems with their tummies if they swallow it.. I use the safe bed paper wool bedding - you can order a 2kg bag for about £8 from the internet - and it lasts ages. usually a couple of years as you don't need a lot.. just seperate it out and hammy will do the rest!

Sawdust/shavings are fine - just make sure its the dust free stuff - its normally marked suitable for hamsters and small animals.

Think paper would be too rough - especially if they pouch it.

kiraroo

i heard that the fluff stuff isn't any good for them either.

when i had hamsters i used to used torn up toilet paper, i used to buy just the plain stuff, and then give them the loo cardboard roll to chew too.

roxalana

i use the ripped up jay-cloth bedding as my hammy seems to prefer it. It costs 80p per small bag but not sure how long it lasts yet though!

thriftymoo

thanks for the advice im currently using the same wood shavings we order for the horses so i'm guessing thats not dust free and not good so i'll get hamster stuff asap. i have been given some of the safe paper to try and will give toilet roll a try too coz he loves the cardboard already.

jessicamb

I use torn up toilet roll for mine. I tear some up and leave him rest of the roll for tearing bits off as and when the hammy sees fit. He does have a massive cage though so its not taking up much room.

LittleMissAspie

Paper cat litter is the best base for their cage, with torn up loo roll for their bed.

Soft wood shavings contain oils which can irritate a hamster's breathing. There's some debate about whether UK shavings contain less of these oils than US shavings, but I personally would play it safe and go with the cat litter.