Birch bedding?

[SaltyPickles]

Hello! My local pet store ran out of aspen bedding. They only sell two types: cedar and birch. I’m well aware that cedar should be avoided at all costs, but I need to know about birch. It’s a hardwood like aspen, but I’m not completely sure if it’s okay. Does anyone else use it? Have you ever had any issues with it?

[Hammymoo]

Well I actually have heard of that before, but never looked into it.

I just researched on the internet and this is what I found:
Birch- several varieties are safe, White, grey, broadleaf, silver and common birch wood are regarded as safe to use. Limetree - (Tiliaceae) other names- Linden and Basswood, is regarded as a safe wood to use.

I would recommend doing more research but if you are unsure you could maybe use a paper bedding for the time being until your pet store get’s more aspen in stock, for example: Carefresh and other brands that your pet store may have.

You could also use pellets but I don’t recommend them as your hamster can’t really burrow in them, although they are good at absorbing.

Cuddles from Coco!

[cypher]

Rodipet sell birch bedding, I did try it once but it was horribly dusty so I didn't even use it, birch is safe but a lot will depend on the quality of the product.

[Pebbles82]

I was just going to say I'd seen birch wood shavings on Rodipet Didn't know they were dusty. Birch wood is fine and a hardwood, as mentioned above. If those are your only two options, then definitely not cedar - Id get the Birch wood but if it's very dusty, sieve it first. Give the bag a good shake so most of the dust goes to the bottom then scoop some out from the top and sieve it into a bin, then use it Which country are you in?

But definitely NOT cedar!

[Hammymoo]

Yes I agree, birch can be very dusty but if you have to them you can.