Bob Martins softwood shavings for dwarf hamsters??

[HSS Racer]

Hi there,

I have x2 winter white (perhaps hybrid) hamsters and Id like to know if Bob Martins softwood shavings for small animals are safe to use as substrate for hamsters?

I've searched online to try to find out what type of wood this product is made from but cannot seem to find any answer. I have also emailed Bob Martins and I'm awaiting response but would like to get an opinion from here.

So... Are these wood shavings safe, or harmful to my beloved hammies?

Thanks

[Jenibelle]

Softwood bedding is usually pine and cedar, if I'm not mistaken, which is not safe for hamsters.

[cypher]

Wood shavings are usually fine in the UK but not in the US, I can't remember anyone ever mentioning the Bob Martins brand though so can't say for sure..

[racinghamster]

In a nutshell, any wood shavings (UK) are usually spruce or pine and kiln dried. However, ideally, you should do as I do:

Open your bag of shavings. Get yourself an open storage box (no lid) and put the shavings into this, or half, depending on the size of your storage box! If you have a small bag of shavings it will probably hold the full packet. If it`s a larger bale, then just remove as much as you will use over the next few months.

Using your hands, break the shavings up as they usually compact in the plastic bag they arrive in. This breaks up the shavings and releases the dust and allow air to get at the shavings. Ideally, do this outside.

Never do full cage cleans as this removes your hamster`s scent and with a pair, can cause trouble. Spot clean by removing damp areas only and replenigh with a few fresh handfuls of shavings. Wipe shelving with damp kitchen towel. No need for sprays or cleaning products.

As for Bob Martin shavings, I suspect they are okay, but Snowflake shavings are the best on the market if you can get them. They sell online and various other places and come in different sizes. Pets At Home`s own brand shavings are also okay, but can be dusty. Never buy shavings that are `scented`. These contain aromatic scents that can cause respiratory problems in small animals. That`s why airing your shavings months in advance really does help release any smells and dust, or at least, helps to reduce them.

Alternatives would be:

Fitch paper bedding (extremely safe!)
Supreme Cosi n Dri
Megazorb

Hemp beddings like Aubiose, although I used this for mice when I kept them, I`m not so keen to use it for my hamster. It is safe enough though, but can have odd sharp pieces in it which I`d rather avoid.

Hope this helps. x

ETA: In the US, Aspen shavings are said to be the best or one of the available paper based ones. I`m not familiar with those though.

[cypher]

I did find it on amazon, most of the reviews are good saying it isn't dusty so it's probably fine to use.
If you are looking for alternatives I think Fitch is the best there is, I use it for my dwarfs mixed with hemp, I think aubiose is the horse one, not sure, so maybe not as soft as the others, Hugro is the nicest closely followed by Hemparade, both available from zooplus.
I found Megazorb very dusty & I don't think Supreme Cosi n Dri is available now, I found that very dusty & wouldn't buy it again anyway!

[racinghamster]

Aubiose is the hemp sold for horses yes, so perhaps the other brands are softer. Just make sure they don`t contain Citronella as some hemp products are sprayed with this to keep insects off it when it`s used outdoors in stables etc....I`ve only used Aubiose and Sicofloor hemp off Zooplus which is organic hemp, but although soft, still had strange jagged pieces within it, so I wouldn`t entertain it now.

Fitch is very good and arguable the safest of them all. Shame Cosi n Dri has been discontinued although you can still get it online and various outlets. It`s lovely and soft and a better product than Carefresh. x

[HSS Racer]

Massive thanks to all three of you for the replies. I have researched into it quite a lot and there's a lot of conflicting information. Now I believe softwood shavings are safe in UK.

Thanks a lot!