Some Newbie, Potential Hamster-Homing, Questions

[Molly_Moo]

Originally Posted by herbi7

Maybe he could stay over at someone's who has a hamster and try handling it and breathing close to the bedding or something to be absolutely sure. I think the type of bedding is going to be important, I'm allergic to random things, I'm fine with pine woodshavings if they have been aired for a bit, aspen makes me sneeze and so does aubiose but I think that may be high dust content of the last two. But I'm allergic to recycled paper cat litter and I've no idea why that is. I'm best with fitch. My friend's nephew has bad asthma and managed to keep gerbils despite that but it did affect him and made things harder for him. Do you have a garden? Maybe a bunny or guinea pigs would work if nothing else does as you could keep them outside. Or if he does turn out to be allergic to the hamster, keeping it in a room which is shut away form the rest of the house with an air purifier, I find those really effective with allergies.

That's what I want him to do, but we don't know anyone with a hamster I've been asking around Facebook but no one has one.

It's interesting that you're allergic to paper bedding, the rats had shredded cardboard, is that the same or different?

Sadly we don't have a garden. We have a large balcony, but I've always thought it was unfair to keep a rabbit or guinea pig if you don't have any grass for them to enjoy.

Getting an air purifier is definitely one of my last choices, but still an option. I don't really want to have to get one as it will cost money to use all the time and they're also not too cheap to buy. Have you found that to be true?

Thank you for all your help, I really appreciate it!

[herbi7]

Originally Posted by Molly_Moo

That's what I want him to do, but we don't know anyone with a hamster I've been asking around Facebook but no one has one.

It's interesting that you're allergic to paper bedding, the rats had shredded cardboard, is that the same or different?

Sadly we don't have a garden. We have a large balcony, but I've always thought it was unfair to keep a rabbit or guinea pig if you don't have any grass for them to enjoy.

Getting an air purifier is definitely one of my last choices, but still an option. I don't really want to have to get one as it will cost money to use all the time and they're also not too cheap to buy. Have you found that to be true?

Thank you for all your help, I really appreciate it!

Air purifiers are expensive to buy but not to run. I've had mine 12 years now, it's never gone wrong and i dont' regret getting it. They are getting more and more high tech nowadays, my parents have one they bought when their house was having building work and damp treatment and it goes mad even if you peel an orange cos of the VOCs and all it's little lights start flashing, it's like a friendly house robot! You wouldn't have to get a posh one though. You might even pick one up second hand but make sure the filters are still available. Not sure about the shredded cardboard bedding. I don't personally think anyone could be allergic to fitch, it's so mild and harmless so maybe try that one. Whereabouts are you in the country again? Your bf is welcome to come and stick his nose in Willow'a cage, ha.

[Molly_Moo]

Originally Posted by herbi7

Air purifiers are expensive to buy but not to run. I've had mine 12 years now, it's never gone wrong and i dont' regret getting it. They are getting more and more high tech nowadays, my parents have one they bought when their house was having building work and damp treatment and it goes mad even if you peel an orange cos of the VOCs and all it's little lights start flashing, it's like a friendly house robot! You wouldn't have to get a posh one though. You might even pick one up second hand but make sure the filters are still available. Not sure about the shredded cardboard bedding. I don't personally think anyone could be allergic to fitch, it's so mild and harmless so maybe try that one. Whereabouts are you in the country again? Your bf is welcome to come and stick his nose in Willow'a cage, ha.

Aww, thank you so much herbi7! We're based in Rochester, Kent, we're probably too far away :P
What is Fitch again? Is that the massive bales of papery bedding or is it wooden?

I do like the idea of an air purifier. I feel like it would be great for Jon as he also has asthma and hayfever in the spring. I'm just nervous about the extra costs. I'll speak to him about it though, see if he likes the idea