Kaytee aspen bedding* (paid link) is specially processed to minimize dust. The less dust the better as far as your hamster’s lungs are concerned.

Provide a deeper digging box in the cage, similar to a rat digging box, but with hamster appropriate depth and substrate. Your hamster’s preferences: Some hamsters prefer the smell and taste of pine, while others prefer aspen. It’s really up to your individual hamster’s preferences. Since it’s made up of paper, it doesn’t have the risks that come along with cedar and pine bedding for hamsters. That being said, avoid ink and always source ink-free paper to shred and use. While some owners state that their hamsters love to sleep on the cotton, others say that when their pets dug in the material, strands got wrapped around their paws.

Hamster Bedding to Avoid

Sectioning off some of the base of the habitat and have it very full at one end. This is easiest to do in a tank, but if you have a barred cage without a deep enough base, it’s possible to fix vinyl flooring or corrugated plastic onto the bars to contain the substrate. The principal concern is that hamsters may choke on bits of fluff in the bedding. Cotton, and other fibrous materials, can also produce a large amount of dust. And there are some owner stories about the fibers getting wrapped around paws when used for burrowing. There’s a lot to discuss with this, so let’s take a closer look at all the information you need to make a good decision for your pet. Safe Hamster Bedding

There is no evidence that aspen bedding is harmful to hamsters. In fact, aspen bedding is often recommended by veterinarians as a safe option for hamsters. However, it is important to make sure that the bedding is dust-free, as hamsters can suffer from respiratory problems if they inhale dust.

Is pine bedding safe for hamsters

Wade, AE et al 1968. Alteration of Drug Metabolism in Rats and Mice by an Environment of Cedarwood. Karger Pharmacology

Paper bedding is one of the most popular types of bedding for hamsters. In addition to it being DIY-friendly, it’s affordable and easy to get hold of.

What Is Hamster Bedding?

Scientific research has also shown that softwood bedding, such as pine bedding, can affect liver enzymes in rodents. One study on mice and rats using softwood bedding concluded that they had elevated liver enzymes. The study also showed the reverse when the rodents were placed on hardwood bedding. Pine Bedding Contains a Known Irritant We’ve looked at lots of different bedding materials for hamsters. So, what is the best bedding for hamsters? Paper bedding seems to have the fewest health concerns, and is also very absorbent.