Poorly Robo *THE DANGERS OF FLUFFY BEDDING*

[hammy_mumma]

I am going to write them a letter about the entaglement issue. I am tempted to send them a photo of her little 3 legged dead body but I still don't think they will listen. I doubt they will stop selling it until we stop buying it, I think lobbying the pet shops not to stock it will be more effective. Do we have actual evidence that the vegetable fibre isn't edible? It is not tough like the usual nylon fibres or even clumpy like cotton wool.

[amie]

I am so sorry to hear about your Roborovski. Good on you for deciding to send the company a letter. I would definitely attach a photo. The shock value may add some weight to your valid complaint. Incidentally, are you in the UK?
I hope that someone can answer your question about evidence. I don't have the answer sorry. As many of us as possible need to challenge the makers of such products.
Thinking of you. You did your very best for your little hamster.

[alanjamesblair]

It seems to me like the companies would change with enough bad press. I mean think about the Dog Food scare that took several (and too many) dogs' lives when tainted wheat made it into some of the more well-known brands. I would almost wager that more hamsters have been killed by this peril than that scare. I'm not comparing misery, just pointing out that we should be able to squeak loudly enough on this.

Also, can we please not call it "fluffy bedding" anymore? I mean, that's what it is, but I think the name is hurting our cause, like "Killer Tribbles" or something. If we call it something more sinister within bounds, I think we'd get farther with people. Nothing comes to mind that isn't garish (which would lose us sympathy) or long and technical (which would cut down peoples' patience) but someone might have an idea? I am serious, quite serious about this. "Constrictive Bedding Material?" "Compactful Bedding?" "Restrictive Nesting Material?"

[souffle]

I am so very sorry for your loss You did what you could to try and make her better but sadly it was not to be. Never dwell on regrets and 'what if's' It is a waste of emotional energy I have learnt. You did your best and what you felt was right and nobody could have done more.
Play well at the bridge little one x

[hammy_mumma]

Thank you to everyone for your kind words. She was actually a Syrian hamster, not that that really makes a difference other than to highlight that bigger hamsters are also at risk. I actually knew that this bedding could cause amputations in babies or sick/elderly hamsters but it did not occur to me for a second it would be a risk in a fairly healthy and very active adult. I am trying not to dwell on what ifs, because as Souffle has said it is not helpful, but it is hard when this was a one off-purchase because they didn't have my normal paper bedding in stock . I have another hamster who will now never be exposed to the killer bedding and I will spread the word so that other hamsters don't have to suffer as mine has.

[souffle]

Not sure if you have facebook but there is a campaign page there where you could post your experiences?
Let the world know x
https://www.facebook.com/groups/312807652148017/

[GemmasMom]

So sorry to hear about your little one. I am so sorry :/ Let her life be a light to hamsters whose lives can be saved by sharing your experiences. Run free little one.... xxxxxxxx

[hammy_mumma]

I have requested to join the facebook page, I agree about renaming it but really can't think of an appropriate name so will keep thinking on that one. I have also written letters to the manufacturer (don't expect much joy there) and the local pet store (really hope they stop stocking it).

[Jasmine Smith]

My hamster was sick not so long ago, I susspected it was something that she was eating like carrots but it turn out to be the yogurt drops.

[Pompompoms]

I'm so so sorry, it breaks my heart that poor little ones are still suffering from the dreadful stuff