Hamster hay

Petite · 07-14-2021, 09:02 AM

Voessy kindly sent me some links for hay, and now I am ready to order I can't find the thread. Just now I'm using plain white Kaytee Clean & Cozy bedding, and would like to add some kind of hay for interest and to make it look less "sterile" and more natural. I'd be really grateful for some recommendations for hamster-safe hay. Many thanks in advance for any help.

VOESSY · 07-14-2021, 09:13 AM

I just did a quick search and found some I find interesting:

Pillow Wad Meadow Hay | Wagtail Pet Supplies

Animal Dreams Timothy Hay | Wagtail Pet Supplies

Ria P · 07-14-2021, 12:04 PM

I use the grass because its not as coarse as the hay but freeze it for a few days in case there are bugs in it.

A bit of green Carefresh looks nice too for a splash of colour. Fetch sells the green and the blue is readily available at any petsathome.

Petite · 07-15-2021, 03:12 AM

So would something like this be alright for hammies?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Animal-Edib...343591&sr=8-36

It looks really nice, and as you say, Ria, it's less coarse than hay - but I'm a bit hesitant as I had a feeling hamsters were not supposed to have grass.

Ria P · 07-15-2021, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petite

So would something like this be alright for hammies?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Animal-Edib...343591&sr=8-36

It looks really nice, and as you say, Ria, it's less coarse than hay - but I'm a bit hesitant as I had a feeling hamsters were not supposed to have grass.

Oh! I didn't know that hamsters shouldn't have grass.

I don't know that one but am cautious of anything advertised as fragrant. I just stuck my nose into the hamster herbs jar and yes, there is a nice scent in the jar but not strong enough to make the hamster cage smell nice, let alone the house.

Petite · 07-16-2021, 04:10 AM

Ah - maybe grass is okay then? I wonder if you would mind letting me know which type you use - or sending a link? I'm assuming you mix it with other substrate - does this affect the tunnel-holding properties of the substrate? I wouldn't be planning to use heaps of it, but just want something to break up the sterile whiteness and look a tad more natural.

Ria P · 07-16-2021, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petite

Ah - maybe grass is okay then? I wonder if you would mind letting me know which type you use - or sending a link? I'm assuming you mix it with other substrate - does this affect the tunnel-holding properties of the substrate? I wouldn't be planning to use heaps of it, but just want something to break up the sterile whiteness and look a tad more natural.

Yes, i also use it mainly for effect or to keep a flying saucer in place. A layer inbetween the substrate looks nice in a tank but i don't think it improves tunnels much because the burowing hamster do fine with Kaytee or Carefresh. A layer of hay wouldn't reduce the tunneling properties of the subtrate.

You can get Kaytee clean and cozy in natural as well.

I can't remember the name of the grass because i store it in plastic boxes after freezing but i'll nip to the nearby petshop tomorrow to find out.

Petite · 07-17-2021, 03:06 AM

Thanks, Ria - that's really kind of you.

Ria P · 07-17-2021, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petite

Thanks, Ria - that's really kind of you.

It's that grass i bought last time and sometimes i get the Afalfa hay because its not that coarse.
I always pick the stabby bits out anyway. That's from the petshed shop down the road but Jolleys petshop sells Timothy hay with dandelion, rose petals etc which is also ok.

I'm sure there are others but that's the ones i've tried.

Petite · 07-18-2021, 05:08 AM

Brilliant - thanks so much, Ria. I will see what they have at Pets@Home in Inverness, as my only other option in this neck of the woods is ordering online. Hoping to bring a dwarf and a robo home with me on Wednesday if they have any in stock. It's difficult judging when to go as it's so hard to book on the ferry these days due to social distancing and therefore limited passenger numbers.