Hamsters (merged)

pboae

As well as the risk of eating it, you should only use cross cut paper, i.e. in little confetti pieces. When it's in long strips it can get wrapped round them and cut of circulation. That happened to my chinchilla after I put some shredded paper in his travel cage to go to the vet. It was lucky we were going to the vets (I used to give them shredded paper to play with too) because I couldn't get it off him, the vet had to cut it away. It was so tight it had cut into his leg and the vet said he'd have lost his foot if it had been left longer.

Lady_Fluff

and there's the risk of paper cuts to them too. I get a bedding called Magazorb - I pay less than a tenner for a 15kg bag including postage, and it lasts ages. Best place I've found to get it from is https://www.farmway.co.uk/pet-1/small-animal-6/small-animal-18/northern-driers-megazorb-animal-1788.htm
Stay away from fluffy bedding and shredded paper for the sake of your hammies! Even the 'safe' fluffy bedding can trap limbs and make amputation encessary - not a nice or cheap option.

Kelinik

As mentioned fluffy type bedding is best avoided, it can cause all sorts of nasty problems if ingested/wrapped round limbs etc. Shredded paper however is fine, printing inks have all been safe for several years now. The only thing I would say is that it's best to shred it yourself because otherwise you can't be sure all staples/paperclips were removed. _pale_

keelykat

I tend to stick to toilet paper, shredded up....seems to keep the hamster happy/cosy!

keely.

starlightdisco

how much can I expect to pay to have my hamsters teeth and nails clipping at the vets

roguebrogue

I'm not sure of the price, but if you're not already try to provide chew sticks or something along those lines as they should keep it's teeth trimmed on there own without needing to go to the vets.

Pinkpig74

I paid around £5 a couple of months ago. The hamster was getting on a bit and his teeth started to grow at a wonky angle, but the vet showed me how to cut the teeth myself with a pair of nail clippers.

Jo_anne_2

Clipping a hamsters toe nails isn't too hard to do yourself, although you do have to be very careful (and preferably have an assistant to hold him still).

Lady_Fluff

in terms of nails (can't comment on teeth having never needed my lot's doing), I find the best time is first thign in the morning - I normally go downstairs between 5.30-6am and my little girl is sleepy and about to go to bed - she's all placid and I can just trim her nails (it's only ever one on each side that need doing) with minimal fuss. If she won't let me do both in one session, I just do the next one a day or two later. But get 'em dopey - less wriggling ensues that way!!!

Jaime-V

Ok not really money saving but it is sort of... I would like to get some dwarf hamsters, I have been given a good cage and thought about adopting some rather than buying them. (give them a good home:D )

I have been 'googling' and coming up with nothing for hamsters (dwarf) any suggestions? Are there such a thing as hamster rescue centres? (don't laugh!:p )in Belfast and surrounding areas?

If not then its off to pets at home to buy some but would rather give one or two a 2nd chance

I hope its ok to post this here I don't know anyother boards to post this on.

TIA:D