Hamster Bedding

Hamsters are very popular as pets, as they are comparatively inexpensive and easy to keep. These fluffy little animals are also loved for their small size and antics. Being so popular has ensured that there are many hamster products in the market specially meant for these pets. These include hamster bedding, which may be a part of starter packs or are sold separately. Many people use sawdust or wood shavings as cheap bedding for hamsters. Paper towels, soft clothes, cotton, etc. are also used as bedding materials for these animals. Choosing the right material was not a cause of concern, with a wide range of material available for being used as hamster bedding. However, nowadays, it has become a safety concern, as it is strongly contended that some of these materials can be harmful for the health of hamsters.

Hamster Bedding: Safety Concerns

There is a very wide range of materials, which can be, and are being used, as bedding for hamsters. The most popular among them are sawdust, wood shavings, paper towels, soft cotton and cloth. All these materials are easily available, cheap, and serve the purpose of bedding for these tiny animals. But, now hamster owners are left in a dilemma, with safety concerns looming over the use of some of these materials. It is contended that the insecticidal chemicals within the woods, known as phenols, poses a risk of respiratory problems, cancers, and liver damage in hamsters. Newspapers and other printed papers or cards can be toxic to the hamsters as they contain ink. Some of the bedding material like wool, fluffy/cellulose bedding, etc., can cause choking in hamsters, which may also develop pouch infections and blockages in the intestines. It may also happen that the fine fibers of the bedding may get entangled with the hamsters' limbs and cause injury. In case of cloth bedding, it may not be comfortable for hamsters, as they like to burrow their heads while sleeping. These animals may tear the cloth and this can be harmful if hamsters ingest the small pieces of cloth. Otherwise too, torn clothes can cause injuries to their limbs. However, there is no substantial evidence to prove these contentions, and the debate is still going on. But, on the safer side, you can opt for alternatives, which are both comfortable and safe for these animals.

Alternatives to Hamster Bedding

As these animals cannot tell you their discomfort, you have to choose the right material, which does not cause any health concern. Even though you have a wide range of hamster bedding materials to choose from, nothing can be considered perfect. You have to find out the right one, which does not pose any health concern to your pet. At the same time, it should be comfortable for these furry animals. It has been observed that the perfect material for hamster bedding is shredded paper, provided it is unscented, not dyed, and not printed. Paper does not entangle in the limbs of these tiny animals and also dissolves easily, if ingested. Shredded toilet paper or paper towels will be a perfect and cheap bedding for hamsters. Another option is hay, which should not be moldy, muddy or dusty. You have to avoid straw, as it has sharp edges, that can cause harm to hamsters.

Coming to commercial hamster bedding, there are many options, like megazorb (a dried wood fiber pulp, which is dried, sterilized and dust extracted), carefresh (also a wood pulp bedding material), aspen wood shavings (safer alternative to cedar and pine wood shavings), finacard (finely shredded, dust extracted cardboard bedding), etc. You can choose a bedding that is best suited for your hamster, from the above mentioned materials. Compare the prices and the advantages of each material. Whatever material you choose, you have to wash the cage and change the bedding on a regular basis (preferably, once a week). In case your hamster is ill, you have to clean the cage and accessories more often.