substrate advice please

michyLS · 06-30-2016, 05:07 AM

Arlo is a really scratchy boy so I'm thinking about changing his substrate to see if that helps (he doesn't have any bald patches or sores that I'd associate with mites) . We are currently using P@H wood shavings so I'm wondering what to try instead? He loves to dig and burrow. I did see this in Pets corner today, not sure if it would be ok for filling the whole cage?

Great&Small Micropore Paper Bedding (available in 2 sizes) | Pets Corner

Fluffagrams · 06-30-2016, 05:39 AM

Some hamsters can develop allergies to wood shavings so it's worth considering alternative options. When one of mine developed a problem we tried Carefresh which really made a difference to him.

A paper based substrate is an ideal alternative although I'm not sure how cost effective the option you've linked to will be in the long run. Have you considered Fitch? It is sold in fairly large bales and lasts quite a while. Another option is Finacard which is available from RatRations in smaller bales or direct from the supplier.

Fitch: Fitch Recycling - Fitch Pet Bedding

Finacard: Finacard, Quality Animal Bedding

AmityvilleHams · 06-30-2016, 05:39 AM

That would go just about nowhere for actual substrate!Something like Fitch would be much better,and it is quite economical!

Fitch comes in multiple sizes as well including 10kg which is a very large amount,but with a good cage and a lot of substrate and partial cleanings it does still work out effectively in terms of cost and product usage.If the size of the large amounts are intimidating,keep in mind that it can easily be split up into different containers for easier storage!

Edit:Posted at the same time

racinghamster · 06-30-2016, 05:39 AM

Hi michy. Those paper based products are good. Maybe not `as` absorbent as you would like as a floor substrate though and if it comes in long strands, I would suggest getting the scissors out and chopping it up onto 1" inch pieces as the long strands can become wrapped around limbs. Just as a precaution really. These paper products also come in `flaked` form, so look for a product called `Safe Bed paper wool`. Ignore the `wool` word as it`s misleading. It`s just like the product you linked to but it comes in a flaked form. I think Pets At Home sell the flaked versions but perhaps under a different name?

I use Chipsi Classic (plain not scented) wood shavings and I also recommend Snowflake shavings. Both are better quality than the Pets St Home brand, but as with all wood shavings, it`s best to get an open topped storage box, break the shavings into it and allow them to air out about a month before use. This allows the dust particles and aroma to disappear. I take my box of shavings outside and using my hands, mix though them as if I`m mixing a scone mix! This lets the air get into the shavings. It make a real difference to the product. x

michyLS · 06-30-2016, 06:12 AM

Brilliant, thanks.
I just realised I have a nearly full bale of carefresh that we were going to use for bedding but he prefers shredded paper, will that be ok over the whole cage, is it suitable for burrowing in? If so I'll use that this time then try something like fitch next time, as it looks cheaper than carefresh.

AmityvilleHams · 06-30-2016, 06:26 AM

Shredded paper probably would work fine temporarily,it won't likely have the best odor control but it's still better than having to use something so risky like wood shavings!

michyLS · 06-30-2016, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

Shredded paper probably would work fine temporarily,it won't likely have the best odor control but it's still better than having to use something so risky like wood shavings!

Sorry, I meant would the carefresh I have be ok over the whole cage?

cypher · 06-30-2016, 06:45 AM

Lot's of people use carefresh for the whole cage & get on fine with it, it can be a bit dusty though, worth giving it a go to see how he gets on but if he's still itchy I'd give Fitch a go.

AmityvilleHams · 06-30-2016, 06:52 AM

Carefresh should be fine as well!It's quite popular in the US actually,but as mentioned it can be dusty so you have to watch and make sure it doesn't affect your hamster negatively.

Pebbles82 · 06-30-2016, 08:46 AM

I use Fitch and love it. It's a bit like Carefresh but no dusty - it's probably one of the cheapest options and you can also put tons of substrate in then as well without running out. You don't use any more when it's deeper really as the bottom half tends to stay dry and can be re-used.