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Fluffy Nesting material is dangerous and deadly. It looks like innocent cosy fluff but it's deadly to hamsters. It can wrap around limbs leading to cutting off circulation and amputations. It can impact cheek pouches and it can block digestive systems leading to death.
Just doing a separate post on this for any new members joining who don’t already know.
Pet shops still sell “fluffy bedding” for the hamster’s nest. Don’t use it – throw it away or take it back for a refund. It’s extremely dangerous to hamsters. So dangerous that petitions have been set up to try and ban it previously.
Hamsters often pouch nesting material and can ingest anything they pouch. This fluffy bedding blocks their digestive system and leads to death. It doesn’t break down. There are far too many stories of hamsters dying and the vet finding their insides full of this stuff.
Some people think Kapok or Natural cotton is ok – because it’s natural. It isn’t – it is still fluffy bedding even though it’s natural as opposed to synthetic. It still won’t break down.
The safest nesting material is plain white toilet paper torn into strips.
Some further information:
RSPCA
"Appropriate bedding and nesting material - don't give hamsters nesting materials that separate into thin strands, such as cotton wool or similar 'fluffy' bedding products. They can be seriously injured if this gets tangled around their limbs or if it's swallowed."
www.rspca.org.uk
The Blue Cross
"Also avoid fluffy bedding that could wrap around a hamster’s limbs and cause stomach problems if eaten."
www.bluecross.org.uk
Strongbrew Hamstery
"Despite the shorter fibres of the kapok plant, it still poses just as many, if not more, dangers as fluffy, cotton bedding."
strongbrew.ca
Just doing a separate post on this for any new members joining who don’t already know.
Pet shops still sell “fluffy bedding” for the hamster’s nest. Don’t use it – throw it away or take it back for a refund. It’s extremely dangerous to hamsters. So dangerous that petitions have been set up to try and ban it previously.
Hamsters often pouch nesting material and can ingest anything they pouch. This fluffy bedding blocks their digestive system and leads to death. It doesn’t break down. There are far too many stories of hamsters dying and the vet finding their insides full of this stuff.
Some people think Kapok or Natural cotton is ok – because it’s natural. It isn’t – it is still fluffy bedding even though it’s natural as opposed to synthetic. It still won’t break down.
The safest nesting material is plain white toilet paper torn into strips.
Some further information:
RSPCA
"Appropriate bedding and nesting material - don't give hamsters nesting materials that separate into thin strands, such as cotton wool or similar 'fluffy' bedding products. They can be seriously injured if this gets tangled around their limbs or if it's swallowed."
Creating a Good Home for Hamsters | RSPCA
Keeping your hamster happy and healthy starts with making sure they have a comfortable home. Read our advice on housing your hamster.
www.rspca.org.uk
The Blue Cross
"Also avoid fluffy bedding that could wrap around a hamster’s limbs and cause stomach problems if eaten."
Hamster care | Blue Cross
Get expert advice on how to look after your hamster. From cage size to how to keep them happy and healthy.
www.bluecross.org.uk
Strongbrew Hamstery
"Despite the shorter fibres of the kapok plant, it still poses just as many, if not more, dangers as fluffy, cotton bedding."
Kapok; should it be used with hamsters?
What is Kapok? Kapok is a natural fibre that is native to parts of North America, South America, and Africa. The tree produces seed pods which contain a cotton-like fluffy material. It may also be...
strongbrew.ca