UK Wood Shavings

RaeF · 08-16-2018, 02:30 PM

Hiya.
I am currently creating a list of items that I need to set up a new cage.
I know that woodshavings are bad for hamsters, but I also read on here that brands of shavings here in the UK such as Wilko and Pets at Home are safe to use?

I'm on a very tight budget and can't really afford carefresh/megazzorb/fitch etc.

souffle · 08-17-2018, 07:52 AM

The UK shavings are safe to use as they have been heat treated to remove phenols and dust extracted so you should be fine with these provided your hammy does not have any allergies.
If you are on a budget then be sure that you put aside a couple of pounds every week in a vet fund just in case your hammy needs seen by a vet. Plan out what you will need as well in terms of cage / bedding / food etc and make sure this is something that you can afford or maybe you might want to postpone a while till you can feel safe that everything you need won't strain your household budget

Rads · 08-17-2018, 07:56 AM

As Souffle says UK wood shavings are safe to use, but as an alternative why not get a large pack of plain white toilet paper ( roll pack in Aldi is £2.99ish and then tear it up into strips this makes a safe substrate/bedding is easy to clean etc and will not break the bank, it is also not as messy as wood shavings.

cypher · 08-17-2018, 08:04 AM

I would stick with wood shavings, toilet tissue is great for nests so a big pile of that shredded up is great but it's really not substantial enough to be used as a main substrate.

Vectis Hamstery · 08-17-2018, 12:59 PM

After trying most substrates on the market, I'm now back to using wood shavings and really liking them. I use toilet roll for nesting material. I'd agree with Souffle's advice about a fund for unexpected expenses.

Drago · 08-17-2018, 01:29 PM

Any wood shavings that are kiln-dried aspen (not a mix, no additives, etc), are safe to be used with your hamster- regardless of brand. I’ve used aspen with all my rodents now, and I like it a lot. It’s not the most comfortable, so adding a small area of carefresh or toilet tissue is recommended (which should be added anyways as nesting material) so that have a softer area to walk and lie on. As Souffle said, make sure to have a fund started