*Newspaper for hamster bedding?*

CharleneUK

Hi everyone.

I wondered if someone could tell me if it is safe to use newspaper for hamster bedding? My friend came over and asked why I buy the bedding and said it's a waste of money.

I've searched online and read that you can use paper, but it doesn't specify newspaper and I'm worried as obviously, it's covered in ink, and we all know hamsters eat everything!

pavlovs_dog

hmm

i know loads of people reuse the shredding from their paperwork as pet bedding :think:

COOLTRIKERCHICK

the only thing i would be worried about is that hamsters will put bedding etc in their pouches.. so i would be concerned about the ink from the paper in the mouth......i used to shred kitchen paper for my hamsters......plus as its not soft.. would they get tangled in it?

iwanttosave_2

My hamster (Who died not long ago from old age ) used to love old loo rolls as his bedding, eveytime one was used up it owould just get chucked into his cage and he was knaw it all up and make a bed out of it.


It was intended so he could run through them and play with them but he prefered nesting with them and its better than throwing them out

CharleneUK

Thanks for the replies so far I have a shredder, never thought of that actually. Kitchen towels sounds like a good idea as well.

Iwanttosave, I may give that a go actually! My hammy would only be able to use a loo roll for bedding as she is a little on the chubby side and may get stuck if she tried to go through it! LOL.

KittyKate

I always found 1 sheet of 'smartprice' kitchen roll cut in half satisfied my hamster's bedding needs for 3 days - it's about 50p for 2 rolls and lasted ages and ages. And no ink!

patchwork_cat

We used to bed our rabbit on newspaper and I was talking to an established breeder she said don't ever do this as the printing ink is toxic. I had always done it and they had been fine - I looked it up at the time and couldn't find anything that backed this up on the net I think that it used to be the case, but is no longer a problem.

I have found this http://www.hamstercare.co.uk/forum/lofiversion/index.php?t5225.html

upferret

Yes the ink they use is no longer poisonous but it used to be, so newspaper is fine to use just dont use glossy magazines as the printing methods for that are poisonous. Newspaper print will come off when the bedding gets soggy though so itd be better if you have a black hamster.....