Is Kaytee clean and cosy really safe?

Snail · 06-10-2020, 03:28 PM

So Ive been using kaytee clean and cosy and carefresh for a while now and had no issues but today my poor soul Snail got his fingernail completely caught in some kaytee bedding! It took me 10 minutes to get it off as it has knotted around the end of the nail. He panicked the entire time and I had to get a family member to hold him whilst I removed it. Im wondering if its really safe for him because he or I definitely could’ve injured his arm terribly whilst removing it. I think hes okay but hes very stressed now. Anyone have anything similar happen?

Pebbles82 · 06-10-2020, 04:56 PM

I haven’t heard of that before but I suppose it’s possible. I only use it occasionally. It is compressed and needs fluffing up a bit. I think if you’ve had this experience then maybe try something else. I use Fitch mostly and it isn’t compressed and pieces are well defined with no bits to catch anything on. It’s just recycled food grade paper. Only available online but works out cheaper as well. I get the 10kg bag which isn’t too big but lasts ages. If you scroll down it’s the 10kg bag for smaller critters. Hamsters love it too. It’s dust free.

https://www.fitchfirst.co.uk/fitch-p...r/bedding.html

cypher · 06-10-2020, 11:15 PM

I've been using Kaytee for quite a long time now with no problems at all, as far as safety goes I don't see any difference to fitch which I used to use.
I was wondering how long Snail's claws might be, if they get a bit over long or curved they can get caught in things & may need a trim.

Ithuviel · 06-11-2020, 04:32 AM

I think its nice to have choices

. you are lucky

Snail · 06-11-2020, 05:03 AM

Most of his claws are very short but I have noticed one (the one that got caught) is around a cm long. If I were to trim it how would I go about it? I dont think its overly long but in comparison to the other nails is on the long side. I might try fitch bedding!

cypher · 06-11-2020, 05:38 AM

You can buy special clippers for small animal claws or use baby clippers or scissors, just hold him steady & take a little of the tip taking care not to trim too much.

Engel · 06-13-2020, 04:56 AM

Personally I think any bedding/substrate could be dangerous. It's a lot safe than using pine and cedar ��

I have used aspen which I love. Hemp bedding was also amazing including odour control with my Syrians but it reacted on my skin so I can't use it. Carefresh, kaytee and fitch are my normal go to, well more so fitch these days because of price and quality

Snail · 06-13-2020, 05:20 AM

I use hemp bedding sometimes as its quite cheap and it gives him another texture in his cage, I think I might order some more hemp and maybe cut his nails altogether looking at them they arent exactly long and Im worried he will freak out if I try to cut them which could end up in him getting injured or stressed

Engel · 06-13-2020, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snail

I use hemp bedding sometimes as its quite cheap and it gives him another texture in his cage, I think I might order some more hemp and maybe cut his nails altogether looking at them they arent exactly long and Im worried he will freak out if I try to cut them which could end up in him getting injured or stressed

If you can. Order aubiose. It's meant for horses so it's a huge bale but it works out cheaper than getting small bags of hemp bedding from the pet shop.

If you're not comfortable with it, don't do it. You can get vets to do it. At the practice I use the nurses do the hamster nails quickly.

Another option is to add a large stone to the enclosure. Under the water bottle (if you use one)