I want to change my hamsters bedding?

Question

I have had a syrian hamster for about 3 months already and she is doing really good. however when i bought the bedding i bought carefresh bedding (it is like cardboard) and now i want to change to cedar or aspen wood chips. Will this change affect my hammy?

Answer 1

First things first. You really need to be changing the bedding and cleaning everything in the cage once a week. Also, NO CEDAR or PINE. You can use aspen. Go to hampsterific.com an check out thier web site. It tells you all you need to know. Good luck

Answer 2

I don't like carefresh because they can't borrow properly. I like pine bedding. It's easier for them to borrow in and has a nice smell! (i think at least..)    and pine is fine! I've used PINE for 3 years! AND NO PROBLEMS!! Trust me! Don't use cedar or saw dust! PINE IS FINE!

Answer 3

as far as i know, changing your hamster's bedding will not affect it but i have never had to with m my hamsters, but i don't think it will affect your hamster so try it if you want

Answer 4

Under no circumstances should you use cedar, it's very bad for their respiratory systems.

Aspen chips are acceptable, although Carefresh is still better. You can change the bedding and see how it goes. He'll probably sneeze at first as he gets used to it. Some animals are allergic to certain beddings. It's rare, but if your hamster continues sneezing for a long while I'd change it back.

When using wood bedding you should freeze it for at least a day to kill off any fleas/lice/mites that may be in the wood.

EDIT: valentine cutiee, just because YOU have never had problems does not mean that others won't. You may use pine for 10 years and never have a problem, then one day you will. Pine is proven to be a risk to their respiratory system and it's a totally unnecessary risk to take when there are better alternatives like Aspen, Carefresh, or Yesterday's News.

Answer 5

I think it is better not to done it!

Answer 6

Yes it will. do not change it to cedar because there is something in the wood that can harm the hamster and can cause illness or death. Aspen bedding can cause respiratory problems. Carefresh bedding is the best kind as it deoderizes and will not do any damage to the furry friend.

Answer 7

no it shouldn't.  

Answer 8

I don't think so, we once changed my hamsters bedding, and it didn't seem to affect it

Answer 9

if you plan on switching bedding, it would be best to mix the two together little by little, just like you would if you were to change his feed

Answer 10

no, she might like it actually. just what ever you do, DON'T USE CEDAR OR PINE shavings!. they phenols in the wood create respiratory problems in hamsters. the aspen is recommended if your going to get shavings. i do prefer carefresh though.  

Answer 11

No it will not effect your hamster but DO NOT USE CEDAR!! It has harmful chemicals in it that will most likley kill your hamster. Aspen is fine but NO cedar OR pine.

Answer 12

It won't, but avoid cedar, pine, or scented bedding. Your hamster can breathe it and get sick. I recommend sticking with cardboard or moving to a different one.

Good luck!