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Ria P · 03-06-2022, 12:52 PM

I've never been 100% convinced that woodshavings produced in the UK really are as dangerous as people make them out to be.

I've rescued hamsters of various ages and they have all lived on cheap woodshavings so in theory they should all be dead or gasping for breath. Thing is that i've not once had a hamster with respiratory issues.

When i was young which is a very long time ago, we got our woodshavings free from the local saw mill and i can't recall pets suffering from respiratory problems either.

Personally, i believe that poor genetics, backyard breeders and hamster mills are more likely to lead to various ailments in hamsters than woodshavings.

I use Kaytee as the main substrate and always use it in burrowing, nesting and sleeping areas but in areas where i place the wheel, sand bath etc and need a more solid ground i do use kiln dried woodshavings from a Wiltshire saw mill.

03-06-2022, 12:52 PM
Ria P House of Hamsters Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Wiltshire, UK Posts: 7,103	Re: What I've got so far I've never been 100% convinced that woodshavings produced in the UK really are as dangerous as people make them out to be. I've rescued hamsters of various ages and they have all lived on cheap woodshavings so in theory they should all be dead or gasping for breath. Thing is that i've not once had a hamster with respiratory issues. When i was young which is a very long time ago, we got our woodshavings free from the local saw mill and i can't recall pets suffering from respiratory problems either. Personally, i believe that poor genetics, backyard breeders and hamster mills are more likely to lead to various ailments in hamsters than woodshavings. I use Kaytee as the main substrate and always use it in burrowing, nesting and sleeping areas but in areas where i place the wheel, sand bath etc and need a more solid ground i do use kiln dried woodshavings from a Wiltshire saw mill.