LITTER: what do you use? sawdust, cat litter????

[Nicolapompicola]

A good option if you can't store/get megazorb is to use a paper based cat litter, it's smaller bits then carefresh, seems to go further, and is better for digging in IMO. I like to use the Bob Martins paper based cat litter, though Yesterday's news is supposed to be good too.

[haziebabie]

I CALL it sawdust but it is pet wood shavings (compressed shavings) that they sell in pet shops (UK anyway), I'm sure they wouldn't sell it if it killed pets. I have always used it with no problems..

Having said that I have always used soft snuggle bedding for my previous hamsters (had about 12 before in years past) with no ill effects, then I read on here its hazardous to hammy health, so have changed to buying the soft paper shreds type.

[furrypolka]

I use wood shavings for our short hairs and Finacard for the long haired, I find Carefresh is just too expensive in the quantities I would use it in! We used to use Carefresh for our two rats but it smelled just awful, so they are also on Finacard now.

[Lil Miss]

sawDUST is bad, yes thats the sawdust stuff they sell sawdust in shops, it is very very dust (hence the name sawdust) imagine if you lived on a bed made of it how much would end up your nose? same with hamsters and all other pets for that matter and should NOT be used

woodSHAVINGS tend to be ok ( i say tend as it depends on what they are made of, ceder should NEVER be used and pine should only be used if its kiln dried, or if you air it out thoroughly before use

the thing to remember is that MOST pet shops only care about ONE thing and one thing alone, your cash in their pockets. there arnt many out there at all that genuinly care about the walfare of their customers animals (as thats all they see you as customers putting money in their pocket)

i would advise EVERY one to think for yourself rather then trust the word of a pet store, most will tell you anything to get the sale -_-

sorry for a delay in the response iv had SOOO much on ugh

[wolf]

i use cardboard either squared or shredded i dont like sawdust or shavings as i have rats and it effects there breathing big time so i wont risk it any where near them and i cant use carefresh anymore i became sensitive to it my lil guys get on well with cardboard have no issues with it its what i use for my ratties to

[vegan bexx]

i use cardboard squares, or finacard.
i also use a bit of megazorb, cos he likes to use it for his nest.

i use them because i have them for the rats.

although i have used wood chippings/shavings before for him and he was fine.

[loyal_tree]

Originally Posted by Lil Miss

the thing to remember is that MOST pet shops only care about ONE thing and one thing alone, your cash in their pockets. there arnt many out there at all that genuinly care about the walfare of their customers animals (as thats all they see you as customers putting money in their pocket)

i would advise EVERY one to think for yourself rather then trust the word of a pet store, most will tell you anything to get the sale -_-

I agree with this statement 100%! I would take the word of an experienced forum member over anyone in a pet shop, especially the big chain stores! MANY products listed as "safe to use" for animals actually aren't. You've got to do your research.

Anyways, now that I've got that out... I use Kay-Tee Aspen Shavings for my babies. I sometimes use a combination of CareFresh and Kay-Tee, as some of them like to use the Carefresh for nesting material for some reason. I think it's nice to be able to offer them a couple of different textures. Some of mine have "digging towers" that I fill with CareFresh and then cover the cage floor with aspen shavings. I offer plain toilet paper for nesting material as well.