Bedding query!!

Golden_Syrian_Hammmies · 10-20-2015, 06:25 AM

Hi, so earlier I was told about fluffy bedding being really unsafe for hams which I knew nothing about :/ I am getting the Barney cage shortly all being well and want to ditch the shavings as well. Atm I am using a dust free one but have been advised to get Fitch which is supposed to be really good and plan to get a small bale. But in the mean time I need to get my hands on bedding that is safe preferably from a pet shop, I know there is care fresh...what are some of your experiences with it? I've heard it can be dusty and I really don't want to give fudge any respiratory irritation. There are so many beddings etc on the market but not all are safe as we now know.

Thanks for any help given!

Bertiebobbins · 10-20-2015, 06:28 AM

I've been using carefresh, I don't think it's terribly dusty, although it's not dust free. If you're happy with the shavings, I'd hang on and use them until you can change to fitch.

Shannonmcn · 10-20-2015, 06:32 AM

In the UK the softwood shavings are normally all kiln dried so they don't come with the same problems that you might hear about in America/online about respiratory problems etc., if they're not too dusty and not scented then I agree with Bertie, they're probably fine to stick with until you get the Fitch!

I've not had any issues with dusty carefresh either but I think it's one of those things everybody has different levels of sensitivity to.

cypher · 10-20-2015, 06:41 AM

I'd agree too, hams can get a bit upset by any change even if it's for the better & they end up liking it so if you plan to switch to Fitch some time soon I would stick to what you've been using for now.

velma · 10-20-2015, 06:44 AM

I personally like carefresh (and pretty luck as a local hardware store sells it fairly cheap), I like it as it seems to burrow well. But I alternate between that and shavings and, as Shannon said, we don't have the same problem as the states. I know racinghamster tips hers into a bin to air it for a bit first. But I'd say if you've gotten on alright with the shavings stick with that til your fitch arrives.

Golden_Syrian_Hammmies · 10-20-2015, 07:08 AM

Thanks everyone! you learn something new everyday on this class site. Im getting obsessed haha the knowledge is endless. Yes il stick with the shavings until then and as you say Shannon every hammy prob had different levels of sensitivity too.

Bertiebobbins · 10-20-2015, 07:08 AM

Weirdly the only time I've noticed carefresh being dusty was using up the last quarter of a bag, which had been kept sealed airtight in the plastic bag and in another airtight box, hadnt been stored for more than a week or so and the rest of the bag had been fine, and the last quarter made both of us sneeze (hamster sneeze = so darn cute lol!)

Golden_Syrian_Hammmies · 10-20-2015, 07:12 AM

Lol indeed it is! I love when they are sniffing round them and their nose does that wee sniffly noise and the whiskers are going like mad!

way too cute!!

Pebbles82 · 10-20-2015, 04:19 PM

I'd hang on too and keep using the shavings until you get some Fitch then gradually mix it in and switch it over that way. I had a mix of wood shavings and Fitch for a few months until it was eventually all Fitch. Charlie liked picking the Fitch out for his nest. He still does but it's easier to find now it's all Fitch lol.