While hamsters can eat a variety of substrates, a common source of toxicity is wood shavings. Wood shavings from Cedar and Pine trees are especially harmful to your pet. These woods contain phenols, which are naturally occurring compounds designed to protect the trees from insects. However, they can cause respiratory problems in hamsters. You should always check the safety of the wood shavings before you use them as a substrate for your hamsters.
Not all types of wood shavings are safe for hamsters. Cedar and pine wood shavings contain chemicals that are toxic to hamsters. Other types of wood shavings are safe for hamsters, such as Aspen wood shavings. Wood shavings are odorless and dust-free, and they absorb liquids very well. Aspen wood is an excellent choice for bedding because it is scent and dust-free and absorbs liquids well. Newspapers, magazines, and books also contain ink, which is toxic to hamsters.
Hamsters can chew wood shavings and other types of bedding, but they do not swallow it completely. Instead, they move it around in their cheek pouches and use it as bedding. Hamsters use these materials to build nests and make their homes more comfortable. Sometimes, hamsters will nibble at the material with their teeth to clean their teeth. Wood shavings contain phenols, which can cause respiratory issues in hamsters. You should only give your hamster natural wood, as chemicals in these products can cause serious problems in your hamsters.
The best thing to do is to give your hamsters plenty of bedding. Hamsters like to stuff bedding into their cheek pouches to keep their teeth healthy and trim. They also stuff them into their cheek pouches for nest building. The bedding should be non-toxic, and unlikely to get stuck in their cheek pouches. Aside from that, hamsters should be given plenty of fresh water to drink.
While bedding and substrate are often used interchangeably, it’s important to understand the difference between them. Although most substrates are safe for hamsters, there are some types of bedding and substrate that are not. Make sure to choose the appropriate material for your dwarf hamster. You can also mix the different types of bedding and substrates to make their habitat comfortable for them. If you have any questions, contact a hamster care professional and ask questions.
Is birch wood shavings safe for hamsters?
Please check our basic hamster care tab for more information. We must provide bedding material that is safe for hamsters. Aspen wood, paper beddings, shredded tissue paper, and birch wood shavings are suitable for them.
Are wood shavings safe for hamsters?
Wood shavings are a common bedding source, and Aspen shavings are recommended most for your little one. Stay away from Cedar shavings, as they can cause nasal and bronchial irritation for your hamster. Shredded cardboard can be a safe bedding source, but it can also be coarse and uncomfortable for your hamster.
What types of wood are safe for hamsters?
Choose twigs and branches from hard wood trees in your own yard, such as oak or maple. Avoid soft woods, such as pine and yew. These can splinter and scratch the inside of your hamster’s mouth when chewed.
What hamster bedding is safest?
Litter made from paper products, wood, vegetables or grain is absorbent and generally considered the safest type of bedding for your hamster. Shredded paper (such as paper towels and plain paper) is okay if you’re in a pinch.
Can hamsters have wood in their cage?
Since your hamster can and will chew through wood, avoid using wood as a hamster cage or cage lid.
What wood shavings are not safe for hamsters?
According to multiple studies , pine and cedar shavings are generally considered harmful to hamsters, and in large enough doses, can even trigger allergic reactions in humans.
