Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

april · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 3

I was reading in the internet that pine and ceddar bedding may cause allergies to hamsters in the long run. I am worried because currently i am using the brand CHIPSI CLASSIC which i don't know what kind of bedding it is. The descriptions are all written in foreign language.

I heard that Aspen and Carefresh shavings/beddings are good for hamsters. Where can I find these beddings around Selangor or KL? So far I only came across CHIPSI brand.

Can I clean my hamster's cage using vinegar&water mixture?

As for Hamster's food, what brand do you guys recommend? Right now my hamsters are eating food from Habitrail brand. Is this good enough for them?

messiah944 · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 4

Personally, I think Chipsi brand is ok as I've used them without any problems. I've also used before the apple scent based type. There're few petshops in malls, eg ikano power station, sunway pyramid, 1U and mid valley. I'm not sure abt other places but carrefour at my place has. Pandan indah's shop is a combined 2 shops which has big aquariums located near to the corner famous bak kut teh shop. Ask around. Do not use cotton based beddings too.

vinegar & water mixture is used to clean hardened urine deposits. if it's a normal clean, soap will do.

As for the food, they're gud enough. There're more varieties of commercial food available at a higher cost if you can afford it. My hamster has these few varieties which I switch off and on. The norms are carrots, sunflower seeds, brown crackers, green crackers, normal staples, wheat germs, oats. Sometimes I give bread, milk, cheese, egg and tuna. Sunflower seeds are fattening. As for drinks, I supplement it with vitamins sold in green liquid bottle.

april · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 3

I have seen the Chipsi apple scent based type before too but it doesn't make any difference compared to the Chipsi classic except for its fragrance. U mean those pet shops you mentioned above sell Aspen and Carefresh shavings/beddings?

What if i just use paper towels (as in those which are used to soak oil in the kitchen) for the beddings.. will it be alright? Coz i have read from the internet that paper towels is also an alternative to pine and ceddar beddings. Please enlighten me. :)

There's some rust in the cage since my hamsters are always biting it whenever they are awake. I tried to get them hard stuffs to bite on but they still prefer to bite the cage. How so i get rid of the rust? Is the rust harmful?

I normally give my hamsters habitrail mixed with oats to eat. Once a while I will give them cheese, vege (lecttuce, cabbage, red cabbage, mengkuang, leafy vege), carrots and egg depending on the availability. I noticed that they prefer veges more than their own food. I hope it's a good sign.

messiah944 · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 4

The fragrance makes the diff. Yes those pet shop does. Ikano Power station has more varieties but I found it expensive.

You can use paper towels or toilet papers or tissue papers. All shredded. It's a hassle tough. I don't recommend it cos those stuffs, they'd make it for nest during pregnancy or for their own resting place. Doing so, you had not enuf beddings to absorb urine and covering their poops.

Hamster bite bcos they're expanding their energy and shaving off their growing teeth. Lack of space is mostly the likely cause. Another cause is is lack of wheels. How many hamsters did you have? Lack of space and exercise wheels makes them restless to expand their energy. The wood barrel I had for them is also useless. Give them emptied toilet rolls for them to bite instead even though they seldom does it but it's better than biting the cages. Biting cages can cause damaged teeth and Rusts are harmful as it can cause brain damage. To prove the above mentioned, I had 5 males in a 3 deckers cage and they never even bite the cage once as they had enuf space to roam and not to mention 3 wheels. 3 food dishes for all their need to gnaw on.

Vegetables esp leafy types shud not be given often esp dwarfs as it can cause wet tail disease. So is fruits. What type is your hamster? Dwarfts are more susceptible to wet tails as they're more prone to diabetes. Winter whites are ok. Mine are all winter whites.