Possibly being paranoid? - Page 2

Thin Lizzy · 11-05-2014, 09:09 PM

My hamsters let me know when they're cold, by moving all the wood shavings right up against their home be area, provide them with more wool bedding, I stuff their bed areas with wool and loads more shavings in their cage, also They each have a heater near them. My youngest ends up too hot and she moves her wool out of her bed area - so cute.

Artisans_uk · 11-06-2014, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thin Lizzy

My hamsters let me know when they're cold, by moving all the wood shavings right up against their home be area, provide them with more wool bedding, I stuff their bed areas with wool and loads more shavings in their cage, also They each have a heater near them. My youngest ends up too hot and she moves her wool out of her bed area - so cute.

Hi Thin Lizzy, I just read your post and noticed that you mention using "wool bedding". Are you aware how dangerous this is for our fluffs?

There are two reasons, firstly if they eat it then the wool bedding is not digestible and it can causes fatal blockages. Paper bedding is dissolvable, so it doesn't cause any internal problems for our fluffs.

The other reason is that the wool fibers can get tangled around legs and they can tighten so much that the blood flow can be resisted resulting in limbs being lost.

It is confusing because the packaging says that it is safe but it definitely is not and should be removed from your fluffs' cages immediately. Paper bedding is fine and you can use toilet tissue, which many fluffs love to shred for their beds, you can add plenty of sheets and let them have fun with it.

I think I'm right in saying that the RSPCA is campaigning to have wool bedding banned and they are plenty of petitions and campaigns from the small animal communities.

Other HC members will be able to confirm the dangers of wool bedding but please remove it for your fluffs' safety.

Skeever · 11-06-2014, 01:51 PM

Yup, fluffy wool bedding is a health hazhard......

Shannonmcn · 11-06-2014, 02:19 PM

Good catch Artisans!

The Butts is still in hideout mode but she's eating and drinking and pops her head out straight away for treats if I call her and she came out and gathered up the extra bedding I left for her. I'll give her a few more days then think about a vet visit if there's no more improvement.

Kelly · 11-07-2014, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thin Lizzy

My hamsters let me know when they're cold, by moving all the wood shavings right up against their home be area, provide them with more wool bedding, I stuff their bed areas with wool and loads more shavings in their cage, also They each have a heater near them. My youngest ends up too hot and she moves her wool out of her bed area - so cute.

Oh this is similar to what my little guy did the other night. I'd put it down to him being a bit frightened by the fireworks. I've already given him more bedding which he seems pretty happy about. But he's certainly staying in bed more. Feel like I barely see him these days except for when I bother him into coming out for a bit. Once he's back in his cage then he's straight back to bed.

I'll move the heater to beside his cage for night times and use a hot water bottle for during the day.

Shana · 11-07-2014, 10:20 AM

It seems like her behavior is probably normal for this time of year. My 9 month old syrian has also started to sleep a lot more over the past few weeks. She usually stays in her nest even when she's awake; something she never did during the summer.

I dread winter, and I was thinking that one of the few benefits of the increased darkness would be more hamster time. She used to wake up about an hour after sunset, and I figured that would carry over into winter, meaning she'd wake up at 5 instead of 9 or 10. It seems that's not the case. I wonder if decreased sunlight is an instinctive cue of impending cold to hamsters.

It could be a combination of weather, and also being more settled. If she's been with you for 3 months, the excitement of being somewhere new has worn off, and she's more familiar with your routine. Sometimes I worry that sleeping more means my hamster is so relaxed that she's bored. The worrying never ends!

Cheekster · 11-07-2014, 06:15 PM

I set the thermostat to 20 degree centigrade minimum now the temperature has gotten colder. That way I know when I'm out at work all day (and during night) my hammy will always be warm enough. I also made the mistake of buying the fluffy wool bedding at first (it was the most expensive and cosiest looking bedding in the pet shop, so I thought I was buying my boy the best stuff).I was mortified when I learnt how dangerous it is and I removed it immediately. This forum has been invaluable to me.

Thin Lizzy · 11-07-2014, 06:28 PM

Hi Artisans, WOW - I was told by the owner of a pet shop that because it's made with "Natural Vegetable Fibres" its safe, well what a lying git! I have checked this out as there was a contact on the packaging and in very small print it said not suitable for hamsters. I removed it from both cages and replaced it with 'triple velvet' loo roll. I would use the wool for the autumn/winter periods only. I did buy a few bags of the wool but have my receipt and will go for a refund. This pet shop has been in business for over 20 years. Maybe they should do a refresher course on hamsters. Thank you for that.

Thin Lizzy · 11-07-2014, 06:46 PM

Hi Cheekster! Yes I make sure my heating is kept on low so my hammies are warm and happy! I was assured by a petshop owner that the vegetable fibre wool was perfectly safe for hamsters and I have taken all out of both my cages and replaced with triple velvet loo roll. The wool was being used in autumn/winter colder weather.

Thin Lizzy · 11-07-2014, 06:51 PM

Hi Skeever, so angry with the pet shop owner who said the wool was safe, This shop have been in business for years, and I've always trusted the advice but, HC has opened my eyes. Wool out of cages and triple velvet loo paper instead which they love as I usually use that in warmer months.