Bedding Choices

[HunnyBunnies]

We have had our dwarf hamster for about 3 months, before purchasing our hamster or any supplies we did a lot of research (searched the net, read various books). From our research it seemed that the best bet for bedding for our little guy would be Timothy Hay. We just recently discovered this forum and were reading through some past posts and it seemed that most of you aren't using any sort of hay and some blantantly discouraged using hay. Our little guy is mighty happy (and might I add unbelivable SPOILED!) but we are very concerned that in the long-term we may be harming him in some way by using this bedding. If anyone knows if/why this is a bad choice PLEASE let us know. Thanks so much for your help :)

[HunnyBunnies]

Just wanted to mention that we have read other posts on this subject matter and saw the horrible allergic reaction that can occur with some types of bedding (YIKES), we couldn't find anything specifically addressing types of hay. We live in Canada and we haven't seen Carefresh at our local pet store. It seems to be what you all continually reccommend...anything else?

[Leahv1]

Aspen is the best bedding to use.
Then carefresh.

[TobyRat]

Hay for hamsters isn't really reccomended as it can poke their cheeck pouches if they try to store it. Aspen's a really good bedding, so I would look and see if they have that.

[yodelinghamster]

I use Aspen for my dwarves and carefresh for my syrians. (Don't ask me why I just don't use all the same bedding :p )

[HunnyBunnies]

That is kind of what we were guessing the problem was with hay. But seeing our little Gizmo in action, he doesn't put the hay all the way in his mouth, he actually gathers it in bundles lengthways and carries it to his bed. It is quite amazing really. Would there be anything else that we should know about because I think at this point if there is nothing else wrong with having timothy hay as bedding, then we believe that he would hate us for switching on him. Gizmo really seems to love it and he nibbles on it from time to time (again biting it about halfway down the stalk as to not poke himself in the mouth)
Thanks for your response in a timely fashion as this was something we were very aious to hear about.