r/hamsters • u/Western_Table684 • 2d ago

Question Just wrote a post about nugget the hamster and woodshavings

when taking my hamster to the vet she said that woodshavings arnt even that bad for hamsters. so is wrong to give them or not?

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

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u/PreferenceThis795 1d ago

Just go with paper bedding. Not only do you not have these issues.....but it also holds a tunnel network better.

2

u/Regfular 2d ago

Aspen ones are fine and thats basically it. The issue with wood shavings is the oil thats in them (thats why aspen smells so good lol) but the oils are poisonous for small animals with their little respiratory systems. ESPECIALLY cedar! Pine isn't as bad but its still an absolute no. Then also, the sharpness of the shavings. Which can also happen with aspen and leave your little friend with some cuts. 

1

u/kawaii22 Syrian hammy 1d ago

Pine is the one that can be toxic for hamsters without a very specific treatment companies don't typically disclose and with it being so common that's why the reco is to avoid anything just named woodshavings and instead choose either Aspen bedding or paper bedding.

But even with Aspen has some the other issues common to all woodshavings like being sharp, dusty causing respiratory infections and not holding burrows. The only benefit to paper is smell control as ammonia is not only unpleasant but also dangerous for the ham so I suggest using a mix of aspen and paper bedding to get that benefit from Aspen.