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Post by dscritters on Jan 21, 2004 0:51:37 GMT -4
Hello all,
I just joined the group and my first and main question just happened to be bedding. I have gerbils and keep them on corncob, but just don't see using that for the Hammy I just got. I nabbed a bag of the carefresh ultra for now (BTW for those living in the States, I got it at Petco - it is also available in a generic version a Walmart), but wonder if aspen would be good or better. Also, what kind (fine or course) although I imagine fine would be prefered.
On the subject of ordering supplies by mail, I don't think I ever have done that, been tempted to do it, but I have been lucky enough to live in an area that carrys almost anything I need.
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Post by Die Fledermaus on Jan 21, 2004 0:59:19 GMT -4
Welcome to the board!  My gerbil breeder recommended corncob for his critters. I never liked it much and found aspen fine, except for two gerbs in two different tanks who might be allergic to it and get red noses. They stopped having that problem when I went to regular Carefresh. The gerbs chew up so much heavy cardboard (which they love doing) the bedding within several days is more chewed up cardboard than anything else, and I have to scoop it out regular as I add more corrugated cardboard. My hamsters have always been on aspen, except for brief excursions with Carefresh. It seems satisfactory as is. |
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Post by jeannie on Jan 21, 2004 1:03:54 GMT -4
DS, corncob would be okay for a hamster too. I use it for one of my dwarfs. She has an injured eye, and since I switched her to corncob, there has been less irritation. I use a combo of corncob and Yesterday's News for her. For my other hamster, I use Carefresh Ultra, and for the other one, regular Carefresh. By trying different beddings, you can figure out which one is best for the individual animal.
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Post by rasputin on Jan 21, 2004 1:45:50 GMT -4
The only con I've read about with corncob for hams is that with hams peeing so much more than gerbs, there is a tendency for fungal problems with corncob -- so this shouldn't be a problem if you exercise caution and change bedding regularly, I think.
Carefresh goes over pretty well.
Welcome!
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Post by dscritters on Jan 21, 2004 1:54:14 GMT -4
Thanks for the welcome and steering me to this group. I kind of thought that the corncob, with its tendency to mold quickly, would not be as suitable. Also, the carefresh and aspen would be more fun to bed in I think. I might try the fine aspen to see how that goes over as it is a little cheaper than the carefresh. Also, how often do you need to change the bedding for a Ham? I am way to use to the gerbs.  |
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Post by rasputin on Jan 21, 2004 4:11:28 GMT -4
;D
I'm not anti-cob -- In fact, it may be wonderful, if it's changed regularly, like I know everyone here does.
I just favor the wood / paper stuff.
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Post by adara on Jan 21, 2004 6:43:21 GMT -4
I think corn cob is good if your hammie is potty trained Mine only wees in his toilet now  |
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Post by calvinator1 on Jan 21, 2004 10:56:37 GMT -4
As far as changing the bedding, it's a good idea to check each day and remove any bedding that is in a heavily peed in area. (Hammies will usually pick a spot or two to use as a bathroom.) If you have a hammie toilet kit, this probably won't be an issue. Full scale removal and replacement can be done whenever you clean your tank.
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Post by dosergirl on Jan 21, 2004 12:42:39 GMT -4
One more note on the generic carfresh from walmart and other stores, i tried one out of curiosity and i threw half the bag away, it is just not made as well and it was super dusty. everything in the cage was covered with a film from the dust.
As everyone knows i swear bu Carfresh Ultra, there really is nothing better in my opinion.
PS Welcome! Always great to get new people on board.
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Post by Die Fledermaus on Jan 21, 2004 20:40:22 GMT -4
In the Habitrail (I have two) they use the add ons to pee in, and it behooved me to melt tiny holes in the outpost and observatory to improve ventilation. Stanley is one of them has taken to depositing his poops - and nothing else - on that second level control panel, which ius now covered with what looks like chocolate sprinkles. ;D he's very neat. Boudicca in the other Habitrail is a recluse and I rarely see her. I supppose she only comes out when it is pitch dark - the food disappears and the water goes down! Tonight I will have to wake her to change her bedding, which is aspen. |
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