Breathing Problem??

[georgie]

Hey everyone,

So about a month ago, I purchased a new Syrian hamster 2-3 months old and recently, it started making clicking sounds as it breathes. This is not all the time, only occasionally when I'm holding him and he seems to have no problem breathing. I use Aspen bedding so I'm just wondering if this is cause for alarm or it's no biggie.

[AmityvilleHams]

Clicking is fairly normal hamster behavior While aspen is not toxic,it is still possible to cause allergies which is far more common than most people would think!If you want to be completely certain your hamster will never have allergies related to the substrate you use,you'll have to use something that isn't an allergy causing substance which would mean no wood substrate,no hemp,no hay,etc.Paper based substrates do not cause allergies,but if they are scented or dusty they can affect respiratory health so you must choose wisely when it comes to substrate.

[Drago]

I agree with amity in that it can be normal, clicking/clicking sounds can indicate curiosity in hams. I too use aspen and it can cause allergies, it does it my one ham so he's on paper bedding instead, but another thing to know about aspen is that is super dusty, it irritates me so I wait an hour after cage cleans to let the dust settle/flow out before putting my hams back in their cages. Try switching to fitch if you can, if not, kaytee clean and cozy is also a good brand of paper bedding, best wishes

[racinghamster]

If you are in the US Aspen seems to be one of the better substrates unless you can get hold of a better, paper based alternative. My advice though would be to `air` the Aspen in an open storage bin for a good month before using it. Don`t do full cage cleans either as this also removes your hamsters scent and can cause unnecessary stress. Removing a few soiled handfuls when necessary, wipe over with wet kitchen towel and replenish with a few fresh handfuls from time to time is all that`s required.

Give the Aspen a good shake outside using your hands to release any fine dust. This helps to remove any strong aroma from the Aspen too. Anything you can do to reduce the onset of sneezing or breathing problems is a positive.