p@h woodshavings?

[kittokitty]

I read something on another forum about P@H woodshavings not being safe. Is this true? What should I use instead?

[StarlightSerenity]

P@H ones in particular or woodshavings in general?

Woodshavings in the UK are perfectly safe as they are kiln dried. As long as they are dust extracted and unscented then they are safe. Some companies had the great idea to make the shavings scented (usually lavender or lemon) which is very bad for animals with such sensitive noses.

As to why P@H woodshavings in particular are unsafe, no idea, not used them.

There are many different options though, from Fitch which is recycled paper to Finacard which is shredded cardboard to Megazorb, a wood pulp. A lot is personal preference. I use woodshavings, I get a big bale for £12 from Pets Corner.

[kittokitty]

Originally Posted by StarlightSerenity

P@H ones in particular or woodshavings in general?

Woodshavings in the UK are perfectly safe as they are kiln dried. As long as they are dust extracted and unscented then they are safe. Some companies had the great idea to make the shavings scented (usually lavender or lemon) which is very bad for animals with such sensitive noses.

As to why P@H woodshavings in particular are unsafe, no idea, not used them.

There are many different options though, from Fitch which is recycled paper to Finacard which is shredded cardboard to Megazorb, a wood pulp. A lot is personal preference. I use woodshavings, I get a big bale for £12 from Pets Corner.

Thankyou, I was a little worried! I'm going to start getting bedding in bulk soon anyway, as it takes an entire large bale of p@h shavings to fill the detolf!

[Amys_Mum]

I use the woodshavings, takes a medium bale to fill the Barney! I have found some larger chips in it, so I tend to scrunch it all up in a plastic tub first, remove any big pieces and then it's ready to go. I don't replace all the substrate though, only the top layer, so a bale lasts ages.

[Fluffagrams]

For many hamsters and their owners, wood shavings (including the Pets at Home one) is an adequate substrate that does the job, is easy to get hold of and is affordable. Providing you're not using the scented ones and you and your hamsters aren't showing any kind of sensitivity to it then it's fine to carry on using it.

I'd check it as you're breaking it up prior to putting it in your hamster's cage just to be sure that larger chunks haven't slipped through but it does it good to air it for a while before putting it in the cage anyway.

[racinghamster]

Pets At Home wood shavings are fine, just be sure they are not the `scented` shavings as these are NOT safe. Why they add lemon and lavender and goodness knows what else is beyond me. It`s more a hazard than a help.

Snowflake shavings are probably the best quality and they come in larger bales too. I remove my shavings into an open storage box a good month before they are used to allow the air at them. This really helps reduce the `new` scent they have coming straight from the bag. I also sieve mine if the weather is good outside as this helps even more to remove the finer dust particles. Not practical for everyone I know, but do give them a good scrunch/break up into a spare Bin if you can.

And yes, spot clean your tank rather than remove all the shavings in one go as this helps retain your hamsters natural scent and also saves money. x

[kittokitty]

I don't use the scented bedding, I know the dangers Thank you for all the advice.

[Gimleyand Meeko]

I am afraid the woodshavings are unsafe as they are unspecified meaning they aren't really a brand. They are also too rough and cause itchiness. I wouldn't advice them at all. Instead I would use Carefresh, it is a little more in the pricy side being £6 a packet in P@H but it is worth it. If you are stuck on woodshavings I would use Aspen.

[StarlightSerenity]

Originally Posted by Gimleyand Meeko

they are unspecified meaning they aren't really a brand.

What implication does this have though..? What difference does branding make?

[Gimleyand Meeko]

If it is branded I suppose you know where it would come from and if it is not branded then you don't. You just wouldn't know where It comes from I guess (says whilst hesitating :P)