Bedding change?

[Ms. Rattie]

So, my 2-and-four-month old syrian hamster, Didi, has always been on shavings. Her previous owner had her on pine (in a tiny crittertrail ) and now she's in a large super pet with aspen. The aspen is a pain, and if we don't have any in the house (i.e. my mom forgot to buy it) I have to wait to clean her cage. So, I was wondering if fleece bedding would work? I'd be willing to change it often, and I think it would be a lot easier for me. Would it  be okay for her?

[Randomrat]

No hamsters should not have fleece bedding. They aren't the brightest (sorry hammies) and often when chewing fleece they will also ingest some of it.This can cause great problems for their internal organs. And if they stuff it then it can get stuck in their cheek puches and cause infection.

If you can't use the aspen then use shredded blank paper instead and if you don't have a shredder then just rip it up. It will smell quickly but it works well.

[Ms. Rattie]

*sigh* Okay, didn't know that, but now I do. Thanks! Maybe I will just keep using aspen, but pay for it myself and buy two bags... 

[Randomrat]

Can you get large bags? I can find large bags (I mean HUGE) bags of aspen for $16-$20 in most places that sell aspen.