Question on Carefresh

[LilSnooPydOG]

This weekend, I have to go to the pet store to get food, bedding, and maybe a few animal books/magazines. I'm thinking of switching to Carefresh, because it looks like it would be much more comfortable than the aspen that I'm using, and I think Snoopi would like it (assuming it's not too dusty for her...). The thing is, Carefresh only comes in those small bags. So, how many cage cleanings would one bag of Carefresh get me through? I'm thinking 2 at the very least, and there may be enough in it for 3. I want to know because I don't want to only get one, and then have to go back 2 weeks later for more. I guess I will get 2 bags for sure, I just want to know what others think.

[Zouave]

Carefresh also comes in BIG bags, which are cheaper. There is also a white non-dusty Carefresh Ultra, if you can find it.

Be sure you separate the bits with your fingers, and then "fan" the tank or cage to blow away excess dust.

It should last as long as aspen - I use 1 1/2 inches deep. I stopped using aspen with gerbils who developed allergies to it.

[JJsGrly26]

i really like it and so does my baby.

[teddybearham]

I swiched from aspen to carefresh because when I went to buy somemore aspen they didnt have ne so I bought carefresh ultra and rolo liked it alot and so did I so I just stuck with that

[LilSnooPydOG]

Carefresh also comes in BIG bags, which are cheaper. There is also a white non-dusty Carefresh Ultra, if you can find it.

Be sure you separate the bits with your fingers, and then "fan" the tank or cage to blow away excess dust.

It should last as long as aspen - I use 1 1/2 inches deep. I stopped using aspen with gerbils who developed allergies to it.
I've never seen the big bags...guess I'll just have to look harder. Carefresh Ultra is a little more expensive, right? But if it's non-dusty I think I'll try that. :)

Thanks for your help, everyone.

[GizmoandCoco]

www.foryourbird.com has the big bags for $11 plus shipping!

[Zouave]

I have NEVER seen Carefresh Ultra in local NYC pet stores. Maybe I should check a big PETCO in Manhattan. . .

Corncob is another option, but I use that only for allergic gerbils.

[LilSnooPydOG]

I have NEVER seen Carefresh Ultra in local NYC pet stores. Maybe I should check a big PETCO in Manhattan. . .

Corncob is another option, but I use that only for allergic gerbils.
I tried corncob, but didn't like it all that much. I didn't think it absorbed to well, got really stinky fast.

Anyway, I got a small bag of CareFresh Ultra. The big one was about $30, so my dad says we'll try this and if we like it we can get a big bag next time. I don't think I'll get to use it until next weekend, because I still have enough aspen for one more cleaning. But thatnks for your help. :)

[Krazie4pets]

Actually I just switched from Carefresh Ultra to Aspen.

Carefresh has to much dust that is actually doing much more harm then good regardless of what the package says.
The absorbtion rate for the carefresh seems better than carefresh but what it actually does is harbor the moisture and the smell in turn creating a death zone for bacteria.
I would also be careful when using carefresh because some bags are known to be infected with mites.
Aspen does have better odor control and is soft enough to be comfortable but not enough to get tangled in your hamster;s nails.

[dee23]

hi i think my long haired teddy hamster might be allergic to his bedding we use pine shavings his skin is a bit flakey but his skin is not red he dont have any black dots so its not mites i cant see any fleas so i thought i would change his bedding see if that helps him
apart from that hes full of live he runs about he eats ok and drinks fine

[dee23]

hi i think my long haired teddy hamster might be allergic to his bedding we use pine shavings his skin is a bit flakey but his skin is not red he dont have any black dots so its not mites i cant see any fleas so i thought i would change his bedding to care fresh see if that helps him
apart from that hes full of live he runs about he eats ok and drinks fine

[Krazie4pets]

dee, mites are little black specks they are little white specks. Pine shavings are very fatal for hammies because of their aroma oil and will offset his respiratory system. If you're hamster was allergic to that bedding it would be red and sort of pussing, flakes indicate a parasite such as and most likely mites.

I would immdeiately switch you bedding and take a visit to the vet and so he can prescribe you some med. Or you can visit your pet store and buy a mite medicine for kittens, cats or small dogs.

[dee23]

i will take him to the vets . but he dont have any spots on his back at all hes skin has just started to flake and his brother who next to him in a diffent cage is ok he dont have any problems with his skin at all before you say any thing yes i have moved eli on his own just in case he does have mites as i heard they can pass on to other animals

[Revenge]

What does carefresh actually do

[LilSnooPydOG]

What does carefresh actually do
Carefresh is a bedding, like aspen or (although these shouldn't be used) pine and cedar. Just something for the hamster to make a nest in, sleep on, etc.

[Revenge]

Oh I thought it was one of those smelling checimicals

[andreaS15]

I've been useing Carefresh for many years and love it, next to the dusty part. Carefresh Ulta is more expencive, and it's the SAME stuff just Bleached so it's white. :rolleyes:
I love the smell of the aspen and how my gerbils are able to make better burrows in it. But i like the absorbtion and softness of the carefresh... So I mix them together now. It's working out great, less dusty, lots of absorbtion, great for tunnels and less smell. :)

LilSnooPydOG you can also ask the store you get the Carefresh from if they can order the larger bag for you. It's 50 gallons of carefresh, so a way better deal then those smaller ones. Especially if you have more than one tank (like i do). Some stores don't have it on their shelf b/c the bigger bag may not sell, so you can get them to special order it for you.