Fitch changed

Pebbles82 · 09-03-2015, 03:52 AM

I've just received a new bag of Fitch and it is a different colour. More beige than white and possibly a bit rougher, although not much difference. Some people may remember it was out of stock for a while recently - now back in stock but it has definitely changed! Unless I just had a rogue bag. It was always so very white, so the change in colour is noticeable (see photos below although the change doesn't show that well on photos).

Anyone else had a new bag recently and had this? I think I shall have to ring them and find out. They'll probably just say it's the same stuff but slightly different process or something.

Wanna Hamster · 09-03-2015, 03:55 AM

That's odd! Is it not as soft? If so, I defenitly think you should call the company.

cypher · 09-03-2015, 03:57 AM

Looks about the same colour as my last batch which was before it went out of stock, before that mine had been whiter too but really there's not much difference I can notice, tbh I was surprised, considering it's recycled paper just how white my first couple of batches were!

Pebbles82 · 09-03-2015, 03:58 AM

It seems slightly less soft, but not too bad. I just phoned them and they said sometimes it does come out a slightly different colour and not pure white (strange I've never heard of that before with many people using it for a long time). She said the manufacture hasn't changed and that it is made from recycled food grade paper, as in surplus food grade paper that they process, rather than used paper that goes through a recyclying process with chemicals and so on (so that bit is good news). But I preferred it how it was before! This almost feels more like shavings. So yes I think it is slightly less soft but definitely a different colour!

racinghamster · 09-03-2015, 04:25 AM

You often hear of substrates changing colour or texture sometimes but the product is the same. As long as it doesn`t smell strange or has any `bits` in it to cause concern, it should be okay. I it feels rougher though that isn`t so good. Maybe try mixing it with a bag of Cosi n Dri? x

Pebbles82 · 09-03-2015, 04:27 AM

Thanks RH - Actually I can't seem to get Cosi n Dri now! There are two sellers on Amazon and both are overseas I think with very high postage costs. Amazon seems to have stopped selling it and I haven't seen it anywhere else. I think the Fitch is fine and if Cypher has had this too, maybe it's just one of those things. It did seem strange though because everyone has always commented on its whitness since I've been on this forum.

racinghamster · 09-03-2015, 04:31 AM

You know, the local pet shop (non animal) I use said when they went to get my Cosi n Dri, it was showing on their screen as something like `not stocked` or something along those lines, But when they went to the depo to get me a bag, it was piled high! Small pet shops can usually find it Serendipity and order it in if you give them the name or an image of what it is if you ever want any. I found it easy, but then again, had they only sold Carefresh, I would stick to my wood shavings! x

Pebbles82 · 09-03-2015, 04:33 AM

Thanks - I might ask at the local pet shop. They obviously buy Harry Hamster in bulk and repackage it because theirs is in clear plastic bags. So they might be able to source it - they only sell wood shavings there normally.

cypher · 09-03-2015, 04:43 AM

The only difference I found with my "beige" fitch was it's harder to tell if anyone peed on it! The texture varies a little even within the same bag, I really doubt you have anything to worry about & it should be fine.

Daniel Beattie · 09-03-2015, 07:41 AM

Just noticed they sell a 1kg bag now (expensive compared to the 10/20kg bags):

Fitch Recycling - 1kg Fitch Hamster &Critters Bedding NEW !

Should make storing a bit easier.