What substrate is everyone using?

[freyashamsters]

Originally Posted by cypher

If you do get some hemp to try for the robo girls you could try that with Willow too as it's very absorbent & I've never had a problem with pee smells, it can actually be quite hard to know where they go!

I will try! What do you find is he best brand of hemp?

[cypher]

I like Hugro best, I did use Hemparade for a while & it is more economical but did sometimes have sharper bits, none of my hams every got hurt by it but I do get a bit paranoid with my fur balls!

[Kissa]

I tried a couple of different options, but went back to wood shavings -- they're just the best that I have found for both absorbency and odour control. Though I do use Back 2 Nature for my LH boy, as the shavings tangle in him.

[freyashamsters]

Originally Posted by cypher

I like Hugro best, I did use Hemparade for a while & it is more economical but did sometimes have sharper bits, none of my hams every got hurt by it but I do get a bit paranoid with my fur balls!

Okay, Hugro does have good reviews. Is Aubiose ok?

[freyashamsters]

Originally Posted by Kissa

I tried a couple of different options, but went back to wood shavings -- they're just the best that I have found for both absorbency and odour control. Though I do use Back 2 Nature for my LH boy, as the shavings tangle in him.

I used Woodshavings for Willow for a while but tbh I found the odor control awful

Willow was sneezing a bit on them too but she's been on hemp before and she's fine with it

[cypher]

I've never used Aubiose so I really can't say from experience but from things I've read it's not as good as Hugro, more horse grade than ham grade!

[freyashamsters]

Originally Posted by cypher

I've never used Aubiose so I really can't say from experience but from things I've read it's not as good as Hugro, more horse grade than ham grade!

The Aubiose does have good reviews however some say it is a little spiky. It's recommended by breeders though and I think £15.69 (Amazon) for a 20kg bag is an excellent price

I think I will most likely be buying hemp

[AmityvilleHams]

For £5 or so more you can get Fitch which is probably a lot softer.Virtually no dust with Fitch too,and a lot of people are very fond of it It's still a decent value,but only if you get the 20kg bag/bale of Fitch.

[freyashamsters]

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

For £5 or so more you can get Fitch which is probably a lot softer.Virtually no dust with Fitch too,and a lot of people are very fond of it It's still a decent value,but only if you get the 20kg bag/bale of Fitch.

Yes I am currently using Fitch but I want to switch as I found the odor control to be pretty bad

[AmityvilleHams]

You could probably mix the two or add paper pellets that have good odor control,that way you get the best of both.