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Aspen Bedding is it bad2007-11-24 21:58:13

I have Aspen bedding and i'm not sure if its ok for my hamster because she keeps on sneezing and sometimes when she wakes up one of her eyes is closed is she alergic? or does she have a sore eye? I know pine and cedar is bad but some say aspen is good and others say its bad can someone help me with the truth.

Answers:

I agree. Aspen is generally very safe. I work in a pet store where we have many happy, healthy animals and Aspen is what we use. If you want to stick with the Aspen, try changing the bedding more frequently (Aspen can get very dusty). For my small animals at home, I use Carefresh simply because that's what I prefer. It's not as dusty as Aspen and in my opinion, the odor control it provides is really tough to beat. If you're really worried about your hamster, Carefresh may be a good option for you.

**Just as a side note: Someone had mentioned using fleece or cotton, or something of that sort. I strongly advise against this. Although these types of materials are packaged and marketed for small animals, they are VERY UNSAFE. "Fluff" can get impacted in your pet's lungs and cause serious injury or death. Please do not use this material for your hamster!

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im not exactly sure if its the right one but aspen migh be messing up her respritory system

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As someone who has had numerous hamsters, some living to the ripe old age of 3 1/2-4!!! I can tell you that Aspen bedding is fine. If you are concerned there is a new bedding that is super- absorbent and is almost like cloth. But the aspen is fine. Sometimes hamsters just do stuff like that. If you are concerned take her to a vet. Don't laugh, I have taken mine:) I also had to take mine when she got tumors from old age and had to pay to put her down. Make sure that you are giving her lots of fresh water and food. And that she gets exercise, and handling if she doesn't bite. Keep the cage clean and you shouldn't have any issues. Good Luck! And enjoy- they are a great pet to have:)

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I always thought aspen was the best kind of bedding, but maybe your hamster is allergic. Try using a hypoallergenic type that is made from paper. Just ask the pet store, they will know what it is. It is more absorbent and your hamster definitely won't be allergic to it. Good luck!

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My daughter stopped using Aspen bedding for her guinea pigs because they were having health problems. She switched to Pet's Pride and all 3 cleared up. Pet's Pride is a bit more expensive but worth it.

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it could be your bedding, but try switching to another bedding for a month, and see if the symptons get better. if it doesn't, then it'snot the bedding. and sometimes when one of my hamster's eyes are closed when they just woke up, you can take a warm dab of water and rub that eye, it worked fo rmy hamster. it's usually because that eye has some "eye poop"-that's what i like to call it- and it makes it hard for them to open that eye. or i just take two fingers and pull the eyelid open

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im an exotics vet tech, i reccommend Care Fresh to use as bedding. it looks like recycled cardboard. certain woodchip type beddings are bad for small mammals, esp any that include pine.

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Aspen is a very good bedding in general, but sometimes you can get a poor-quality, dusty bag. The dust is what irritates the eyes and lungs. I've found that there is a big difference between aspen shavings and aspen chips..the shavings tend to have less dust from my experience.