Frequently Asked Questions
Most people in the hamster community like to take the precaution of having of bugs in their hamster enclosures by freezing or baking items. A lot of animal food products are in a quite raw state and don't go though the same process and human grade foods do. Unfortunately this means there is a chance that a bug or two may have hitches a ride on some of the products. While most of these are harmless to you hamster they can multiply if unattended to.
Freeze items for a minimum of 48h or alternatively freeze items for 48h, defrost for 24h and refreeze for 48h and defrost. We do the long freeze this to help kill off any potential eggs.
We recommend freezing:
Sprays
Treats
Forge
Moss
Hamster Food Mixes
Wooden items (see more info in sanitising wooden item in FAQ)
Bedding (not everyone may have a large enough space for this)
All substrates (coconut soil, coconut husk, beech chips etc.)
Freeze Dried Foods (while it already goes though a freezing process and sealed quick some like to anyways)
Do not freeze any glass or ceramic
We definitely recommend sanitising all wooden items before use. This helps kill off any foreign bacteria and helps prevent bug.
Freeze items for a minimum of 48h or alternatively freeze items for 48h, defrost for 24h and refreeze for 48h and defrost. We do the long freeze this to help kill off any potential eggs.
Wash or spray a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water and rinse off the solution with water. Place in clean oven to dry in low temp for about 30 mins. (Oven recommended for items with print on them)
For items that do not have print, glue or protective coating such as branches, logs, birch slices you can also use this method below
Poor boiling hot water over every area on the wooden item and dry in a clean oven in low temp until dry. Please be aware every oven is a little different so keep an eye on it. You can also place on a radiator to dry or air dry toughly.
Here are some links with more information about proper hamster caref
Facebook have some good groups with lovely people who love to help others. They have lots of infographics on what is safe, unsafe and how to set up enclosures for your hamster. Please note not all hamster care groups on Facebook have up-to-date care guides. This is one we recommend.