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Old 10-10-2020, 07:10 AM   #1
Pebbles82
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Default Carefresh topic

Following on from some recent mention of Carefresh using Hemlock as wood source - and there being info on the internet about this. Thought I'd start a separate thread on this. Carefresh has been used by many many people for many years without issue. It's made from wood pulp - as opposed to something like recycled paper like Fitch). There have been occasions where a hamster has developed an allergy to Carefresh, but it's not that common. That may be because it's made from wood pulp which goes through more processes than recycled paper. I don't know.

But I am just adding some information about the Western Hemlock tree (which is not the same thing as the poisonous hemlock herb). Engel kindly posted information that Carefresh is sourced from various timbers including the Western Hemlock tree. It is basically a pine tree, like Spruce and Fir. So I can't see how it can be harmful to hamsters to have a product made from wood pulp.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/tre...stern-hemlock/
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Old 10-10-2020, 07:30 AM   #2
AmityvilleHams
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Default Re: Carefresh topic

Saying Carefresh allergy is not that common is a dangerous stance to me. It has been one of the most common allergies we've seen here and it is a dangerous product regardless of your stance on the Western hemlock. The odor control additives are still an issue, and yes they do have additives being used - it is not controlling odor on its own!

At the end of the day, Carefresh is overpriced and highly dusty. There are several far superior products on the market and really there's no reason to be using a product known for its lack of safety and quality control with all those alternatives. A lot of people won't like seeing it put this way, but I refuse to just sweep these issues under the rug because not everyone has had a terrible experience.
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Old 10-10-2020, 07:33 AM   #3
sushi_78
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Default Re: Carefresh topic

https://www.wood-database.com/wood-a...-and-toxicity/

This is a database of woods and their effects which shows that Western Hemlock can be an irritant, but so can basically any wood. Wood in general is an irritant. The database doesn't mention any toxic effect of hemlock wood. I think there is some confusion with the poisonous herb.
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Old 10-10-2020, 02:10 PM   #4
Engel
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Default Re: Carefresh topic

Quote:
Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams View Post
Saying Carefresh allergy is not that common is a dangerous stance to me. It has been one of the most common allergies we've seen here and it is a dangerous product regardless of your stance on the Western hemlock. The odor control additives are still an issue, and yes they do have additives being used - it is not controlling odor on its own!

At the end of the day, Carefresh is overpriced and highly dusty. There are several far superior products on the market and really there's no reason to be using a product known for its lack of safety and quality control with all those alternatives. A lot of people won't like seeing it put this way, but I refuse to just sweep these issues under the rug because not everyone has had a terrible experience.
You need to think when arguing things Amity. A lot of the things you have been saying regarding a number of topics lack any evidence, just your opinion. There's nothing wrong with having an option of course, but at the moment it does come across that you are talking about things you know very little about. No offense but it's like reading the headlines and jumping to conclusions.

The additives for odour control have been approved for treating drinking water so it's safe. But if you had researched it before making allegations youd wouldn't look so silly now.

I haven't heard of an allergy to carefresh maybe you mean to dust in general? Or specific wood types?

I've had very few batches of dusty carefresh while it's not my bedding of choice that's all some people have got!

I will say now that through past posts youre coming across VERY rude, VERY judgemental and a bit of a know-it-all arguing over every small thing, it's your way or no way. Be a bit more considerate about others; they may not be as privileged as you.
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Old 10-10-2020, 02:15 PM   #5
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Default Re: Carefresh topic

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
Following on from some recent mention of Carefresh using Hemlock as wood source - and there being info on the internet about this. Thought I'd start a separate thread on this. Carefresh has been used by many many people for many years without issue. It's made from wood pulp - as opposed to something like recycled paper like Fitch). There have been occasions where a hamster has developed an allergy to Carefresh, but it's not that common. That may be because it's made from wood pulp which goes through more processes than recycled paper. I don't know.

But I am just adding some information about the Western Hemlock tree (which is not the same thing as the poisonous hemlock herb). Engel kindly posted information that Carefresh is sourced from various timbers including the Western Hemlock tree. It is basically a pine tree, like Spruce and Fir. So I can't see how it can be harmful to hamsters to have a product made from wood pulp.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/tre...stern-hemlock/
Ah so despite it being called hemlock it's not related to the toxic herb variety? That's good news knowing it poses little threat to our fur-babies
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Old 10-11-2020, 01:18 AM   #6
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Default Re: Carefresh topic

I use carefresh and panicked a bit when I saw hemlock. However I have read that western hemlock is used traditionally for food and medicine so feel reassured. I have tried other beddings but a carefresh/torn up loo roll mix works best for my hamster as he likes to make tracks a bit like bobsleigh runs criss-crossing around his cage and this is the mix that holds the edges up best. Kaytee packs down too much and ends up as a solid surface. I remove the dust by shaking out a few handfuls at a time into a storage box. The static in the plastic means the dust sticks to the sides and can be wiped away. I mix in a cut up loo roll in a nylon play pen (more static so more dust out) and store in bin bags which also attract dust to stick. The amount of dust/pulpy fluff varies from bag to bag but has never been that much (I have done this with other beddings including Kaytee with similar results. The Kaytee also had pieces of plastic binding tape in so not perfect!). Sometimes you have to go with what works best for your hamster and not feel guilty you are doing something different.
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Old 10-11-2020, 03:54 AM   #7
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Carefresh topic

Lol! The vision! Bobsleighing hamster
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Old 10-11-2020, 05:28 AM   #8
Engel
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Default Re: Carefresh topic

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
Lol! The vision! Bobsleighing hamster
Idea for the December photo contest
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Old 10-11-2020, 10:32 AM   #9
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Carefresh topic

Great idea! Hamster winter sports . I think December is a Christmas theme. January might be good though - December winner take note!
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