Branches & dandelion roots

[Evans Nan]

Hi, so new to hamster keeping
If I want to give our hamster an apple branch to knaw on, do I need to remiove any lichen, bake in the oven or anything else beforehand?
The same for dandelion leaves, just wash, or do I need to bake, if so, for how long? Thanks

[Ria P]

Hi and welcome to HC!

I give my hamsters dandelion leaves and just wash and pad them dry. It's important that they are from an organic garden and free of pesticides and fertilizers etc.

Branches from safe fruit trees i bake at 100C for an hour to kill any bugs but i don't know about the lichen.

[Evans Nan]

Thank you, will give the branches a go, stripping off any lichen, just in case
Would you know about hazel tree and walnut tree branches?

[shane]

Hi Evans, this thread has a useful list of safe and unsafe woods: What wood to use?

Hazelnut wood is listed as safe, walnut is unsafe

[Evans Nan]

Great, thank you will look at the link, we have access to loads of trees, so would like to make use of nature’s bounties without buying commercially

[souffle]

I would take care with dandelions and not give a lot. They are diuretics and can cause them to wee a lot.