Had Enough !

[KatiePillow]

And you yourself have had the experience of your hamster suffering from a company selling a product which wasn't suitable for it, with your bedding..would you rather everyone learn not to use that bedding the same way that you did? Through the death of their pet..
It's not that we're trying to ban products that we've never used, part of it is common sense that it'd be bad for the hamster, and the other part is warning other hamster owners..
You're entitled to your opinion obviously, Just saying why I don't agree that a company would sell a product with profits, rather the animal in mind.

[stellanova1]

Originally Posted by KatiePillow

And you yourself have had the experience of your hamster suffering from a company selling a product which wasn't suitable for it, with your bedding..would you rather everyone learn not to use that bedding the same way that you did? Through the death of their pet..
It's not that we're trying to ban products that we've never used, part of it is common sense that it'd be bad for the hamster, and the other part is warning other hamster owners..
You're entitled to your opinion obviously, Just saying why I don't agree that a company would sell a product with profits, rather the animal in mind.

Couldn't of put it better myself

[RobeyOs]

Absolutely not! I agree with you. I'd like to write reviews and save future hamsters, but I'm not going to risk buying those products because I'm a responsible hammommy.

But writing reviews for something you personally haven't tried? That's not truthful. There's thousands of those toys sold, and hearing ONE bad review, that's not enough to convince me it's a bad product.

I've written a review on Pine, BTW. but my one review isn't going to convince a stubborn person!

The company needed a hamster to design it, and you don't know if they don't consider the hamster. Someone needs to contact the authorities instead of writing reviews if it comes down to that.

[RobeyOs]

If you had a problem with something, let us know. I very much support that! If something was going to hurt my baby I'd want to know! But there's thousands of that product, maybe it was a lemon or your hamster somehow got into where it's a problem.

[KatiePillow]

I don't buy anything for my hamster.. >.< I think most of the toys just like...replicate what can be made out of toilet roll tubes etc, I obviously bought her a wheel and things, but most things I think are more for the human, than the animal

And I did a lot of research on the cedar/pine topic.. and it surprised me that cedar is even still sold to be honest, but as long as there is 'reasonable doubt' that it's a problem, they aren't going to remove it from shelves.
I semi-understand why they haven't removed pine, as some people don't think that it's a problem, but I err on the side of caution and use megazorb instead (I'm too poor for care fresh. )
And good on you for sharing your experiences with pine, it's people like you who helped me find what's best for my hamsters, and I think that with these toys it's just people trying to help people who may be sucked in by the toys I guess..

I did a person to person review in a pet shop, warning them to double check the gender of their hamster because I'd been sold a boy and a girl as two boys.. and I felt ok doing that because it was my experience, I guess

[racinghamster]

I feel there is a huge gap and lack of communication between animal welfare, manufacturers and shops. If the information came from the welfare people and vets on what is best for each species ( habitat and diet) and this was acted upon, we might not see all the naff stuff that we do for sale in pet shops.

Shops probably work on the principle that the more they have on their shelves to sell, the more profits they will make from gullible individuals who, through no fault of their own, buy this stuff for their hamsters, gerbils and mice etc... It`s colouful and practical and within budget. If only people realised the reality of it all and consider the actual needs of the pet they have, it would make the lives of these pets so much better.

I know.........why don`t we all grab a shopping trolley, walk around our local Pets At Home and place all the unsuitable stuff IN the trolley and take it to the front of the store and label it `UNSUITABLE FOR HAMSTERS`!!! At this point we are then handcuffed as protestors and marched off!

But seriously, it`s very sad and bad that small animals are not catered for properly. The lucky ones are, but there are so many living in `shoe boxes` it makes you weep.

[Womblehands]

you only have to type in hamster fluffy bedding in a search engine and see the awful things it can do..its like a synthetic cotton which does not break down like most beddings if accidently swallowed

[operationotohamstry]

I work at a pet store and am known as the 'hamster whisperer' so usually people refer me to customers when someone wants to buy a hamster, and I'm always sure to tell them as much as I can and point them in the right direction. Hopefully with the lack of sales to certain other products the company will look into whats selling and get wise. I can only do so much heh.
Though this reminds me I remember one time when I had a young hamster dieing of Diabetes I asked the vets if they could do anything and how much it would cost, and the lady came back saying 'I'm sorry, not many people honestly care about hamsters so I'll have to check with the main offices and get back with you later.' That really upset me. How can you just say you dont care!? It may be small but its a living thing...I have to go hug my squiggles now T_T.

[mrnibblesmommy]

i wish parents would buy their kids zhu zhu pets, not REAL hamsters...

[mangoandmimi]

Nice idea they're still Cute, but just dont need the responsiblilty for one /x