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Old 02-21-2018, 11:21 PM   #1
Ievans
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
Posts: 2
Default Is Loose Coconut Substrate OK?

Hi! I just got my very first hamster so I'm finishing setting up her cage. I read that the eco-earth substrates are good so I went ahead and got the loose coconut fiber substrate. As soon as I put it in the cage Penelope (my syrian hamster) liked it and started digging in. I heard her sneezing (or I'm not sure if it was little noises of joy?). So I'm worried that the loose substrate might have too much dust? I read that dust is no good for hamsters.

Please help to clarify and know if I should take that substrate out or leave it.

Thank you!
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Old 02-22-2018, 02:25 AM   #2
cypher
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Location: Wales UK
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Default Re: Is Loose Coconut Substrate OK?

I wouldn't use coconut fibre, it's safe enough to give them a small amount in a digging box or something similar but it's not really suitable for the main substrate. It can be dusty & that may be what's causing the sneezing.
I would go for aspen or a paper based substrate, I think Kaytee Clean & Cozy is good, there's another called So Phresh that looks to be similar to carefresh, any of those would be more suitable, should be low on dust & better for digging burrowing & nesting in although the best thing for the actual nest is just plain shredded toilet tissue.
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Old 02-22-2018, 04:45 AM   #3
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Is Loose Coconut Substrate OK?

I looked into this once as I liked the idea of it. I think the conclusion was, as cypher says, it's not really suitable as a main substrate. It isn't just dust - a lot of these substrates that are suitable for snakes are because they can be more humid - they can be prone to damp and mould and give off mould spores as well. Glad your hammy enjoyed digging.

A little bit in one area (eg a sprinkling in a corner) could be ok for variety of texture to make it interesting. I would also suggest Kaytee Clean n Cozy -or a cheap option you can buy in bulk is Boxo (paper based) which I think is sold by Walmart.
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