Gmelina Wood Shaving

[mrockzz]

Hello Everyone. I'm new here. I've been searching the web for information about gmelina wood shavings as a bedding but to no avail.

Gmelina wood is very abundant here in the Philippines. So I'm thinking if I could use one for my hamster as a bedding. I've adopted 2 teddy hams from my brother because he'll leave the country. He made a wood cage from gmelina wood and chicken wire. The hams are adult, very active and healthy.

I'm asking this because it will be very cheap to use those as a bedding. TIA

Rockzz

[Wanna Hamster]

I have never heard of it before and I myself wouldn't trust any other wood than Aspen. Also, are your two hams housed together?

[Pebbles82]

I had to google Gmelina (Gmelina Arboria) - it's a tree that is hardwood and also described as White Teak. As a hardwood it is probably safe to use the shavings from it. Used to make furniture and musical instruments as well.

As Wanna Hamster points out, Syrian hamsters need to live alone or they could fight to the death! So your two hamster would need a cage each.

[Wanna Hamster]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

I had to google Gmelina (Gmelina Arboria) - it's a tree that is hardwood and also described as White Teak. As a hardwood it is probably safe to use the shavings from it. Used to make furniture and musical instruments as well.

Oh, thank you! When I looked it up, I couldn't find any site that says if it was a hardwood or a softwood. If it is a hardwood, then it safe to use. Thanks for clearing that up!

[Pebbles82]

It took ages to find any mention of hardwood anywhere! Just lots of info about how common it was for furniture in various parts of the world!

[BrainGirl]

It's in the mint family interestingly! Are the shavings kiln-dried? I would have a sniff of them and if they have a strong odour then it might be best to leave them be. If they have only a faint smell then it's probably safe.

And yes, you will need to seperate you hammies. They will fight and one or both may be injured or killed I'm afraid.