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Old 08-11-2016, 10:20 AM   #1
Renlikescake
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Default Spruce bedding

Still searching for bedding I can source locally here in Ireland.
I found that Allspan is sold quite readily here.
Is it safe?
It is a soft wood but its made from spruce and it seems theres mixed opinions on spruce, many say its safe but many say its unsafe.
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Old 08-11-2016, 10:29 AM   #2
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Default Re: Spruce bedding

It may be technically safe,but there is always a chance of allergic reactions with wood substrate.That is why paper is the absolute safest option Even in places like Ireland there are always safer options,so why risk serious harm
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Old 08-11-2016, 10:35 AM   #3
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Default Re: Spruce bedding

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Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams View Post
It may be technically safe,but there is always a chance of allergic reactions with wood substrate.That is why paper is the absolute safest option Even in places like Ireland there are always safer options,so why risk serious harm
Thank you for the reply, my issue with the paper bedding here is the price. its x2 more expensive than in the UK.
I can afford it but it would set me back a lot as I make my money through art so I don't get too much.
I see a lot of people use aspen without issue tough so I suppose it would be the same thing? If I had an issue I could switch back to paper.
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Old 08-11-2016, 10:42 AM   #4
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Default Re: Spruce bedding

Aspen is considered safe but again allergic reactions can happen.It's not unheard of,just like any substrate made from wood,and it would definitely not be good to spend money on substrate only to have it cause an allergic reaction and then have to be thrown away!

Something you could do is have part of the cage with paper based cat litter pellets or similar or even hemp bedding or mix the paper and hemp or paper and pellets,which would help with odor control as well as the overall price since you wouldn't be using just one substrate so it lasts even longer.

Deep substrate helps as well,for example the initial cost of 12 inch deep paper substrate is offset by the fact that in a large cage it would last no less than 6 months but could even last a full year in a square meter cage.Compare that to the same substrate with a depth around 4-6 inches(what most 80 cm x 50 cm cages give)that would last maybe 3 months if you're very lucky,so it does cost a lot more since you're going through much more substrate in a smaller cage with minimal depth.
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Old 08-11-2016, 11:48 AM   #5
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Default Re: Spruce bedding

Try the aspen. You could get a small bag just to try. If your hamster has an allergic reaction or you find something wrong with it remove it and use the substrate you used before.
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Old 08-11-2016, 01:25 PM   #6
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Default Re: Spruce bedding

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Originally Posted by CMB View Post
Try the aspen. You could get a small bag just to try. If your hamster has an allergic reaction or you find something wrong with it remove it and use the substrate you used before.
I don't have aspen here, im asking about spruce
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Old 08-11-2016, 01:33 PM   #7
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Default Re: Spruce bedding

Sorry. I miss read your post about people using aspen and thought you meant in Ireland.
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Old 08-11-2016, 01:34 PM   #8
Renlikescake
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Default Re: Spruce bedding

Quote:
Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams View Post
Aspen is considered safe but again allergic reactions can happen.It's not unheard of,just like any substrate made from wood,and it would definitely not be good to spend money on substrate only to have it cause an allergic reaction and then have to be thrown away!

Something you could do is have part of the cage with paper based cat litter pellets or similar or even hemp bedding or mix the paper and hemp or paper and pellets,which would help with odor control as well as the overall price since you wouldn't be using just one substrate so it lasts even longer.

Deep substrate helps as well,for example the initial cost of 12 inch deep paper substrate is offset by the fact that in a large cage it would last no less than 6 months but could even last a full year in a square meter cage.Compare that to the same substrate with a depth around 4-6 inches(what most 80 cm x 50 cm cages give)that would last maybe 3 months if you're very lucky,so it does cost a lot more since you're going through much more substrate in a smaller cage with minimal depth.
I am aware of wood allergies but my robo should be fine since shes on a wood pulp bedding at the moment but its quite pricy.
Pellets are a good substrate too she was on them for a while but I found she couldn't dig well in the and she started growing very frustrated to the point of throwing around her wheel and flying saucer which was upsetting to see her so stressed.
Your last paragraph is so confusing, do you mean the german cage method? Where you only replace the top layer of substrate?
That could work for my zoozone 2 but the bin cage os only 400 square inches and I would worry about smell.
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Old 08-11-2016, 01:38 PM   #9
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Default Re: Spruce bedding

Quote:
Originally Posted by CMB View Post
Sorry. I miss read your post about people using aspen and thought you meant in Ireland.
Its ok. Im in Ireland yes but where I live safe hamster supplies are hard to come by. My local petstore gets aspen rarely for the snakes but at €12 for an 8l bag its pricier than paper bedding.
The spruce bedding is cheapest here so that's why im asking if its safe to use.
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Old 08-11-2016, 01:39 PM   #10
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Default Re: Spruce bedding

Hi, are you able to order from Rat Rations? They do Aspen but also Finacard which is like a cardboard. They do sell 1kg bags on most things if you just wanted to try it out. But I'm not sure if they ship to Ireland or how much the shipping would be!
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