The hamster cage can have a nice design, for which you need to add accessories such as moss.
But we must say that there is a risk of diseases and problems with the health of hamsters if you use moss in their cage, that’s why I did research on this topic.
Is moss safe for hamsters?
No moss is safe for hamsters, so you should not put moss in their cage. If you still decide to put moss, you risk your pet getting sick or having problems with his stomach. Hamsters can even suffocate from moss, so it is best to use standard bedding that is safe for your pet.
In today’s article, you will discover why you should avoid putting moss in your hamster’s cage, whether is there any moss that is safe, and similar questions.
Is moss safe for hamsters?
As we said at the beginning moss is not at all safe to put in a hamster cage.
There is a huge risk of suffocation, health problems, the appearance of bacteria, mold, and other problems that can be life-threatening for your hamster.
So here’s a more detailed explanation of all the reasons why you should avoid putting moss in your hamster’s cage.
Danger of bacteria
If you put moss in the hamster’s cage, it can lead to the appearance of bacteria that can damage his health and make him sick.
Moss can contain various bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
It is enough for hamsters to introduce any of these bacteria into their organism and dangerous side effects occur.
Risk of suffocation
Moss can cause suffocation in your hamster so it should not be used in their cage.
Hamsters will try to eat the moss out of habit, but since the moss does not break down easily, they can choke.
That’s why it’s best not to risk putting moss in the cage at all, the dangers of suffocation are too great.
Appearance of mold
Hamsters have a delicate respiratory system and can easily get sick from the mold that appears in places where there is moss.
Mold and mildew can also cause allergies in your hamster, but problems with the respiratory system are an even worse situation.
In the most severe situations, moss mold can cause lung damage, breathing problems, and other hazards to the hamster’s respiratory system.
High humidity
High humidity in the cage of moss hamsters can cause negative effects on their health.
When the increased humidity is in the cage, the bedding will get wet and it will be very uncomfortable for the hamster.
Hamsters need normal humidity in their cage, so do not put moss, there is no need to take such a risk.
Allergic reactions
Hamsters can get an allergy from contact with moss which damages their health. Allergic reactions can be such as irritation or itching of the skin, redness, and discomfort in your pet.
A moss allergy can also cause respiratory problems as inhaling moss dust is harmful to hamsters.
Hamsters may have watery eyes or a runny nose as a result of a moss allergy.
Is real moss safe for hamsters?
If you put real moss in your hamster’s cage, you are putting your pet’s safety at risk.
Problems with the digestive system, danger of suffocation, and problems with the respiratory system may occur.
It’s best to avoid actual moss because you never know what it might cause to your hamster’s health.
You can’t know for sure if real moss contains bacteria that will be harmful to hamsters.
Read more: Can Hamsters Have A Newspaper For Bedding? Let’s find Out
Is artificial moss safe for hamsters?
Artificial moss is also not safe for hamsters although special artificial pet moss can be found.
You cannot know for sure if artificial moss also has harmful chemicals that are harmful to your pet’s health.
Moss may look nice in the hamster cage, but you can’t know if it will be harmful to their health, so it is best to avoid it.
Read more: Why Do Hamsters Eat Their Bedding? Let’s Discover
Is sphagnum peat moss safe for hamsters?
In wet areas such as wetlands, sphagnum peat moss can be found, which is used for various purposes and designs.
But we must mention that this type of moss is also not safe for hamsters and you should not use it, because it can harm the hamster.
Diseases, transmission of bacteria, mold, and risk of suffocation can occur if the hamster ingests it.
Sphagnum peat moss is one of the most common types of moss used, however, like all other types of moss, it is not safe for hamsters.
The only way you can use sphagnum peat moss for your hamster cage is if you first freeze or bake it to remove all insects, bacteria, and similar parasites before placing it in the cage.
Can I use moss from my garden for my hamster’s cage?
If you decide to use moss from your garden for your hamster’s cage, you should know that it is not safe for your pets.
Moss from the garden can contain pesticides, parasites, and other bacteria that can harm the health of the hamster.
It is best to avoid any moss, this is the only way to ensure that your hamster will be safe.
FAQs
Do hamsters need sand?
Hamsters will benefit from using a sand bath. A sand bath helps hamsters to be cleaner, easier to remove all dirt from their fur and skin.
Is coconut fiber safe for hamsters?
Coconut fiber is a safe option for hamsters and can be used. It helps to maintain dryness and easier absorption when used as hamster bedding.
Conclusion
Generally, moss is not a good option to use in a hamster cage and should be avoided.
Moss can cause health problems for hamsters, transmission of bacteria, and problems with the respiratory system.
If the hamster tries to eat the moss or take part of it into the body, it can suffocate and have fatal consequences for its life.
It is best not to use moss in the hamster cage at all, this will ensure that the hamster is safe and without any health hazards.
Read more: How To Choose Safe Hamster Bedding? (Let’s Discover)
