Bedding Question

Eeyore64 · 01-27-2018, 12:22 PM

I was just wondering if it is safe to use shredded paper from an office as bedding in my hamster’s cage? I know someone who works in an office, so I have a free supply of it, but don’t want to use it if unsafe for some reason. Thoughts???

Thank you!

Hammy992 · 01-28-2018, 04:12 AM

Shredded paper is actually quite sharp and could give your hamster papercuts on its feet or scratch its eyes.
I was going to do the same thing once for my hamster but when I got home and put my hand in the bag it felt very rough and unpleasant so decided not to use it.

There is a type of bedding at my local pet shop I use called recycled paper bedding; it's very very soft shredded paper with no sharp edges and comes in a big bag so lasts ages. I put a little bit of this in with his plain toilet paper and he loves making nests with it, retains warmth well too ��

cypher · 01-28-2018, 07:47 AM

As Hammy said shredded paper is too sharp for hamsters, also you can't be sure what inks may be on it & some can be toxic so best stick to a good quality substrate & just shred up lots of plain white toilet tissue for nesting.

Brianh96 · 01-28-2018, 10:06 AM

i suggest using food napkins instead of usual printer paper. its completely safe for hammys to use , and can be shredded. if you dont wanna shred it rip it with your hands and then then place in your hammys cage .

SKB_Hamsters · 01-28-2018, 10:48 AM

Shredded paper isn't safe for hamster as mentioned above as it can be quite sharp and the ink may be toxic.
What were you planning on using the shredded paper for? nesting material or to line the base of the cage?
As for nesting materials shredded plain unscented toilet paper is the safest and most economical. For cage substrate (to line the cage) paper based bedding like fitch (UK) or kaytee clean and cosy (US) are highly recommended.

Pebbles82 · 01-29-2018, 03:20 PM

Fitch is good! It's recyled food grade paper - nice and soft and doesn't work out expensive as you buy it in 10kg or 20kg bags. Hammies love it. As the others say, don't use normal paper from a shredder - your hammy will get paper cuts and ink is toxic too.

The 20kg bag only costs a few pounds more than the 10kg bag - I get the 10kg because it's easier to store in the house (squashed under a chair or next to a wardrobe eg).

https://www.fitchrecycling.co.uk/ani...-delivery.html