Bedding and Nesting Material
There are many types of bedding available on the market. The ones most commonly used are wood and paper based beddings.
Wood Based Bedding
Wood based bedding is cheap and safe, as long as you choose the proper type. Pine and Cedar bedding should be avoided. Both contain toxins from processing that are deadly for hamsters.
Aspen is the way to go if you want wood based bedding. It is the safest and softest type of wood bedding and is cheaper than many paper beddings. If you can’t find aspen bedding in the small animal section of your pet store, check the reptile section, as aspen is used for reptiles as well. Some brands I recommend:
· Premier Pet Aspen Bedding
· Zoo Med Aspen Snake Bedding
· Premier Pet Products
· Grreat Choice Aspen Shavings
Paper Based Bedding
Another option is paper based bedding. Paper bedding is softer than wood based but also more expensive. Paper based bedding does not have dangerous toxins like pine and cedar beddings have. Here are some brands I recommend:
· Carefresh Natural
· Kaytee Clean and Cozy
Nesting Material
Many pet stores sell cotton nesting material. It is often advertised as “fluffy” nesting material . Do not under any circumstances buy these products. These types of nesting material is made up of small fibers that can and will wrap around your hamsters limbs and necks. This will cut of blood circulation and will eventually cause the limb to rot or strangle the hamster. Hamsters also digest part of their bedding. This cotton type nesting material can’t be digested and will cause blockages which can kill your hamster.
The best type of bedding for a hamster can be found in your very own bathroom. That’s right, toilet paper. Simply put in several large pieces or rip it into shreds. It is sage and cheap and you always have it around so you don’t have to worry about running out of nesting material.
Unsafe Nesting and Bedding Material
As stated above, avoid cedar and pine bedding as well as cotton nesting material. Please don’t use kitty litter. Hamsters could eat it, which can cause blockages and kill your hamster.
Avoid all type of scented beddings. They are full of chemicals that are unhealthy for hamsters.
There are many types of bedding available on the market. The ones most commonly used are wood and paper based beddings.
Wood Based Bedding
Wood based bedding is cheap and safe, as long as you choose the proper type. Pine and Cedar bedding should be avoided. Both contain toxins from processing that are deadly for hamsters.
Aspen is the way to go if you want wood based bedding. It is the safest and softest type of wood bedding and is cheaper than many paper beddings. If you can’t find aspen bedding in the small animal section of your pet store, check the reptile section, as aspen is used for reptiles as well. Some brands I recommend:
· Premier Pet Aspen Bedding
· Zoo Med Aspen Snake Bedding
· Premier Pet Products
· Grreat Choice Aspen Shavings
Paper Based Bedding
Another option is paper based bedding. Paper bedding is softer than wood based but also more expensive. Paper based bedding does not have dangerous toxins like pine and cedar beddings have. Here are some brands I recommend:
· Carefresh Natural
· Kaytee Clean and Cozy
Nesting Material
Many pet stores sell cotton nesting material. It is often advertised as “fluffy” nesting material . Do not under any circumstances buy these products. These types of nesting material is made up of small fibers that can and will wrap around your hamsters limbs and necks. This will cut of blood circulation and will eventually cause the limb to rot or strangle the hamster. Hamsters also digest part of their bedding. This cotton type nesting material can’t be digested and will cause blockages which can kill your hamster.
The best type of bedding for a hamster can be found in your very own bathroom. That’s right, toilet paper. Simply put in several large pieces or rip it into shreds. It is sage and cheap and you always have it around so you don’t have to worry about running out of nesting material.
Unsafe Nesting and Bedding Material
As stated above, avoid cedar and pine bedding as well as cotton nesting material. Please don’t use kitty litter. Hamsters could eat it, which can cause blockages and kill your hamster.
Avoid all type of scented beddings. They are full of chemicals that are unhealthy for hamsters.