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Old 09-09-2021, 07:35 AM   #1
Ria P
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Default Smelly Carefresh?

Maybe my trusted big nose has become unreliable or the natural Carefresh really does smell like old socks when exposed to a dwarf hamster.

Porton Aquatics, where i buy my substrate supplies had run out of 85l bags of Kaytee clean and cozy so i purchased 60l bags of natural Carefresh in a well known pet shop i'd normally avoid.

I have been accusing dwarf Ozzy and neighbour Robo Monty of being little stinkers but now wonder if i owe them an apology.

It's not a whiff of wee but more a stale odour like old, unwashed socks that hangs around their Hamster Heavens. I have replaced handfuls of Carefresh with fresh but a day later its back to square one.

I've been to Porton Aquatics today and stocked up on their new supply of Kaytee and intend to gradually replace the Carefresh but wonder what's going on.

It doesn't affect the Syrian boys which could have something to do with the fact that they pee in their toilets whereas the dwarfs pee wild.

Has anyone else noticed anything like that or is it my imagination?
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Old 09-09-2021, 08:18 AM   #2
sushi_78
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Default Re: Smelly Carefresh?

I had a Syrian staying last month who was on natural Carefresh and it did really stink when wet. Yes, like a very old and damp sock. He didn't use sand but peed straight on the bedding in one corner. I don't think it's your imagination!

The confetti (purple with yellow bits) or white Carefresh doesn't smell even when wet.

Last edited by sushi_78; 09-09-2021 at 08:28 AM.
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Old 09-09-2021, 09:12 AM   #3
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Smelly Carefresh?

Agree I think the non white ones can smell awful. Even the white one can smell funny if it’s a bit old. Kaytee CC seems to be out of stock everywhere online. I still use Fitch - just used it all up on new Robo cage and having problems ordering more as their new website has issues. You can order by phone but I keep forgetting! Maybe try that? It’s v similar to Kaytee CC and much nicer than carefresh. They do 3 x 4kg compressed bales now so take up less space.
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Old 09-09-2021, 10:10 AM   #4
Ria P
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Default Re: Smelly Carefresh?

Kaytee clean and cozy is currently in stock online and the shop at Porton Aquatics. I bought two 85l bags there today.

I've been looking into Fitch. Is it the Original i would need to order?

My favourite is the Kaytee clean and cozy Natural but can't get it in a decent size at the moment. My alltime favourite, the Camo has been discontinued. I liked the colour and texture.

I dislike the colour white, especially in a hamster cage, never wear it either. Last time i used it in Rodney's cage i told him that, unfortunately, it had snowed while he was asleep.

I tried a thin layer of coloured Carefresh on top but the hamsters bulldoze it in.
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Old 09-09-2021, 01:22 PM   #5
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Smelly Carefresh?

Lol. I know what you mean about white bedding. I originally had wood shavings until I found out there were better alternatives. And found it quite an adjustment and reluctant to change initially. Fitch was very popular at that time and I used to look at cages snd think they looked silly all white and fluffy. But once I got used to it I didn’t notice and hamsters love it. With toys on top it doesn’t show that much and shows up the poops well! But yes Fitch only comes in white (off white sometimes).

Thanks for the heads up that Kaytee it’s back in stock online. I had a bad experience last year with a dusty bag and it put me off. I stuck with Fitch because it’s always completely dust free. You could always spread something else over the top. Finacard is still available I think.

Yep - here - it’s like soft brown cardboard. I still have a bag from a few years ago - still seems fine! I just put bits in sometimes if I’m short of bedding or for variety.

Hamster Finacard One Bale : Finacard, Dust free animal bedding for rodents, cavies, equines and felines
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Old 09-11-2021, 01:59 PM   #6
velma
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Default Re: Smelly Carefresh?

I haven't yet had a problem with white or coloured Carefresh yet but I stopped buying the natural coloured one a while back as some of the bags smelt a bit funny when opened. Not everyone but enough to put me off. I seem to remember several people commenting with the same problem at the time. But it's not something I've noticed with white or the colours range.
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