I never use hay because of the mite risk and I thought it was dangerous for hamsters anyway incase it pierced their pouch? I just use ripped up plain white toilet tissue (the cheap stuff!) and hamsters love it.
I do give hay to my gerbils, but they shred it and use it as bedding, although I only give it now and then, not all the time.
Location: Yorkshire, UK but my heart lies in Scotland!
Posts: 28,192
We dont use hay but I do know that there are some people who do. It is best to use the very soft meadow hay if you do but I wouldn't use it. Wild hamsters do use plant material bedding. The risk of pouch pierceing is always there as it is with some of the sharper seeds and shells from surflower seeds etc but I guess in life all animals take some risks with what they eat and how they live. Always keep a close eye for any signs of swelling in the pouches or not eating etc as they can get pouch abcesses which need vet treatment.
I bought some of that stuff called "spot on"...just in case...I'm always prepared for every eventuality...I can't cope with doing things on the spot...it sends my world into chaos
We had a bother with mites with the guinea pig due to the hay, you have to be careful what hay you buy because some brands contain hay mites and they are a real pain to get rid of! Luckily none of my hammy's have had mites.
Is it the Spot On by Bob Johnston? Orange card? If so tehn please take it back if you can as it is pretty ineffective.
A vet will probably use IVOMEC (Ivermectin) for mites....Three treatments over three weeks.
You can buy a drug called XENEX over the counter from your vet, if you wanted to go that route...or.....A treatment from Pets at Home which contains Ivermectin. It is called ANTI-PARASITE SPOT ON (For hamsters and gerbils) by Beaphar
Everyone please note - If you buy an over the counter remedy....Remember to use one third dosage (to be safe) for a dwarf hammy (They are usually geared to Syrians)
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