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What wood shavings are hamsters alergic to2007-11-24 22:18:33

I am pretty sure that they are alergic to cedar but I am not sure. They are definitely not alergic to pine because I use that all the time.

Answers:

I think you're confused about what an allergy is. The ONLY wood product that should be used as bedding for small animals is aspen. Small animals can develop serious respiratory problems from the oils in wood chips. Aspen does not contain these, so it is considered safe.

Please take your hamsters off of pine. Just because they aren't showing signs of respiratory problems now, doesn't mean they won't. It can show up quickly and is, quite often, fatal.

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The people at the pet store told me that Cedar Chips are deadly to small critters so don't use it again!

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I know that pine IS bad for hamsters i read it! I would use carefresh and cedar is bad for hamsters to! The best kinds to use is Aspen and Carefresh!

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Any soft wood (pine, cedar) is bad because it releases chemicals when the animal urinates which cause respiratory problems and liver failure. Your hamster might not show any symptoms but it may well shorten his life. Best to use something paper based eg paper based cat litter or shredded paper to be safe.

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Hamsters are not allergic to woods, but some are sensitive to wood oils. Never use cedar chips because they will cause a respiratory reaction in all small animals. Some hamsters react to pine bedding, but if you purchase a soft shaving, high quality pine, you will be okay. Kaytee makes both a Pine and Aspen bedding that are low dust with no debris. I used Kaytee Pine exclusively with all my hamsters, even nursing mothers and babies, except for one incredibly sensitive hamster who got Kaytee Aspen bedding. Be sure to spend the money to get the best shavings for your hamster.