129 replies to this topic

[Nicolademe]

I'm sorry, but isn't peppermint dangerous to rodents? I know from pest control that rodents absolutely hate it and an easy way to rid of them is to spray peppermint. They apparently hate it because it causes digestive issues, particularly leading to diarrhea and them not wanting to eat when they're directly exposed to it. I've heard this a few times by different people so I've taken it seriously. Has anyone else heard anything similar?

[MerryBB]

I'm sorry, but isn't peppermint dangerous to rodents? I know from pest control that rodents absolutely hate it and an easy way to rid of them is to spray peppermint. They apparently hate it because it causes digestive issues, particularly leading to diarrhea and them not wanting to eat when they're directly exposed to it. I've heard this a few times by different people so I've taken it seriously. Has anyone else heard anything similar?

 

The difference in concentration is something to think about IMO. It's true that peppermint oil and other concentrated peppermint sprays can be used as rodent deterrents and have menthol related health risks associated with them. (Namely skin/lung irritation from exposure, and digestive issues because menthol 'relaxes' the digestive tract- as you mentioned.) But I don't think that immediately translates into mint plants/leaves being equally unsafe.

 

Constantly exposing a hamster to very concentrated, high-menthol substances or regularly feeding fresh leaves from a high-menthol plant is one thing. But I can see a hamster being safe interacting with a peppermint plant when supervised (such as in a planted playpen) and, depending on how large the space is and how the hamster reacts to the plant (ex. whether they are known for being big plant nibblers or if they generally leave them alone), I can see having a mint plant in the cage being nothing to worry about.

 

Of course, as with any plant being introduced to a pet's enclosure, it is super important to monitor the hamster's interactions with it and- if it gives off a strong smell- make sure there is enough space around it so that it can be avoided and doesn't stink up the entire space. I can definitely see how a mint plant in a cage with a voracious chewer or placed so that the hamster can't reasonably avoid the smell would be risky.

[hamsterhorsefeathers]

hello, can Hamsters eat & have? 

 

Small Woven Palm Flowers

Unique and fun bird toy part

Natural plant materials

Give your pet something to chew and help keep him occupied

 

 

hamsterhorsefeathers

 

 

 

 

[Karas Ark]

Hey guys, I've just bought a herb mix from pets at home and theres a herb in it call Linden. I just wanted to check if it was safe or not?

[Robin~]

Hey guys, I've just bought a herb mix from pets at home and theres a herb in it call Linden. I just wanted to check if it was safe or not?

 

According to a quick Google search, it's edible for humans, so I'd assume it'd be safe for hamsters too. How much of the mix is linden (ingredients in higher concentrations are listed first)?

[Karas Ark]

According to a quick Google search, it's edible for humans, so I'd assume it'd be safe for hamsters too. How much of the mix is linden (ingredients in higher concentrations are listed first)?

Following the list of ingredients exactly it's...
Dried Hibiscus flowers (20%)
Dried Marigold flowers (20%)
Dried chamomile flowers (20%)
Dried Linden herb (20%)
Dried Mallow flowers (10%)
Dried dandelion flower (10%)

[Robin~]

Following the list of ingredients exactly it's...
Dried Hibiscus flowers (20%)
Dried Marigold flowers (20%)
Dried chamomile flowers (20%)
Dried Linden herb (20%)
Dried Mallow flowers (10%)
Dried dandelion flower (10%)

Since linden makes up a decent chunk of the mix, I did a deeper look to confirm that it truly is safe. According to the ASPCA it’s safe for cats, dogs, and horses, so I assume the same would apply to hamsters.

Good luck with that mix, it sounds great!

[sweetlilhammies]

Hello, I am loving all the information here! I have some dried yarrow I would like to include in my habitat. Can someone please direct me to any sort of educational material regarding the safety of this for hamsters?

[lil BIG dwarf]

Hello, I am loving all the information here! I have some dried yarrow I would like to include in my habitat. Can someone please direct me to any sort of educational material regarding the safety of this for hamsters?

 

I was on google and found this...

 

 

 

According to the ASPCA, yarrow is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea and dermatitis.

 

 

I didn't find anything hamster specific, but I think I would avoid it (unless you find confirmation its safe). Some alternatives are herb mixes from Rosewood/Etsy, or growing some of the plants listed on this cage

Edited by lil BIG dwarf, 22 October 2020 - 04:18 AM.

[saltysofi]

not sure if this is the place to post this but im lucky enough to have an apple tree in my garden, i have seen that apple wood is a woods used for chews and i wondered if there is any info on using fresh wood from when i prune my tree in the cage to gnaw on? 

 

additionally, ive seen hawthorn and raspberry leaves included in herb mixes, has anyone tested using branches and twigs from these plants in their habitats as enrichment( obviously with thorns removed) as i have plenty to hand.

 

im a student on a budget researching to get a syrian hamster of my own and i also have a passion for foraging so id love to bring the two together and supplement her with things i have collected in the countryside.