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02-05-2021, 06:40 AM
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#1
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Hamster Pup
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 50
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Are antlers safe as a chew toy?
I've seen several places online stocking natural antlers as chew toys for small animals including hamsters, but I'm finding conflicting information as to whether they are a) safe and b) popular with hamsters. I can't think why they wouldn't be okay to have in the cage, but I'm no expert and might be missing something. Any thoughts?
__________________
Caretaker of: Rubles
Remembering:
Rhubyn | Effie | Tribble | Steve | Bucky | Burr | Grogu
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02-05-2021, 06:54 AM
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#2
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Cosmic Hamsters
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 2,593
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Re: Are antlers safe as a chew toy?
I think they are too splintery and potential harm to your hamster. personally I wouldn't risk it.
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02-05-2021, 06:56 AM
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#3
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Hamster Pup
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 50
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Re: Are antlers safe as a chew toy?
See I wondered that too, but they are advertised as being non-splintering so I wasn't sure.
__________________
Caretaker of: Rubles
Remembering:
Rhubyn | Effie | Tribble | Steve | Bucky | Burr | Grogu
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02-05-2021, 07:01 AM
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#4
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Cosmic Hamsters
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 2,593
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Re: Are antlers safe as a chew toy?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zedrobber
See I wondered that too, but they are advertised as being non-splintering so I wasn't sure.
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From what I read, they can still splinter and it depends on where they are sourced from. How would you know if one antler piece is going to splinter v another piece. I wouldn;t risk it.
Are you able to get whimzees where you live? A much safer alternative in my opinion
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02-05-2021, 07:03 AM
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#5
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Hamster Pup
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 50
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Re: Are antlers safe as a chew toy?
I've absolutely already got whimzee chews, haha! I was just scrolling and saw these advertised and was idly wondering if they'd be any good, honestly, seeing as they're a natural product.
Good call though, I won't bother trying them just in case
__________________
Caretaker of: Rubles
Remembering:
Rhubyn | Effie | Tribble | Steve | Bucky | Burr | Grogu
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02-05-2021, 07:10 AM
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#6
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Hamster Antics
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 23,533
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Re: Are antlers safe as a chew toy?
Interesting question! I don't know much about antlers but assume they vary with different species - or are they just from deer? I don't know if they would splinter - maybe depends how hard they are. I think my concern might be they could be sharp/hard if fallen on from the cage roof - but then careful placement might get round that.
I remember an issue re lava rock and whether that was safe (I think consensus was it was ok). So I had a lava ledge and it was ignored for chewing! Sat under and sat on but not chewed!
It might actually be the same with antlers. Unless it is a particularly chewy hamster they may be just ignored!
I tend to err on the side of caution with things - but if it adds to enrichment of set up I might think about trying it. Personally I'd find other enrichment and chews I think. Eg bones are fine for dogs to chew (and they do splinter) but not for hamsters really.
What I would be really interested to know about is raw food diets! I had never heard of this until came across it for cats and dogs to prevent allergies and for general health. Sounds yucky but apparently better than commercial foods. I have not seen anything like that for hamsters and wonder if it is a possibility.
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02-05-2021, 07:15 AM
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#7
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Cosmic Hamsters
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 2,593
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Re: Are antlers safe as a chew toy?
Serendipity, I do think the antlers vary from species. But I am not an expert
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