Hamsters and wood have a close relationship with each other. As hamsters need wood in several ways. For example, they need wood to wear their teeth down, they need wood for their nest, etc. But the thing is that not all kinds of woods are safe for hamsters to chew. That’s why as the owner of hamsters you have to know that which wood is safe for them and which is not. Balsa is a lightweight wood and is also easily available in the market. So if you think that can you offer balsa wood to your hamsters then at first you have to know that is balsa wood safe for hamsters?
Before entering into the real conversation let’s have a look at the fact that why hamsters need wood and why balsa wood is superior for hamsters than any other wood. Navigate the article if you are also curious about all these questions.
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Is Balsa Wood Safe for Hamsters?
Why do hamsters need wood? As we know that hamsters belong to the family of rodents that’s why like other rodents they have continuously growing molars. And this is not safe for hamsters as large molars can cause ulcers in their mouth and cheeks. Not only this, but with large molars, it would be difficult for them to eat food properly.
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So to keep their teeth in normal size they have to chew on hard objects like wood. As wood is somewhat necessary for hamsters so as their owners we have to provide them wood to gnaw. But not all kinds of woods are safe for hamsters to chew.
But don’t worry if you have balsa wood around you, as you can offer this to your hamster without any worry. However, balsa wood is safe for hamsters to gnaw because of several reasons. As it is a softwood without any dust.
This wood naturally does not contain any toxic elements that could be harmful to hamsters. Moreover, you can make hamsters chewing toys with the help of balsa wood. But make sure that they don’t contain any toxic glue, so while making toys from balsa wood try to use non-toxic glue.
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What Kind of Wood Is Not Safe for Hamsters?
Sadly, unlike balsa wood, not all kinds of woods you can offer to hamsters to chew them. Because there are numerous kinds of woods that contain toxic elements that can be fatal for hamsters. For example, pinewood and cedar woods are not safe for hamsters to chew.
Because these woods naturally contain oils that can make hamsters sick. Not only this, but the woods like yew and oleander are also not safe to offer to hamsters.
What Are Suitable Wood Alternatives for Hamsters?
If you think that you are unable to provide balsa wood or any other safe wood to your hamsters, then there are several wood alternatives that you can give to your hamsters. As hamsters need wood to wear their teeth down so you can offer them dog garlic-free biscuits.
These biscuits are hard enough to help the hamsters to keep their teeth in normal size. Paper towel rolls are also one of the wood alternatives for hamsters to chew. Not only this, but you can also provide cardboard to chew for hamsters. As cardboard helps hamsters to keep their continuously growing molars in normal size and shape.
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A Final Thought:
As hamsters’ owners, we have to know that which wood is safe for them and which is not. To follow this, we have a look at balsa wood that is safe for hamsters to chew or not. However, balsa wood is not only softwood but also safe for hamsters to gnaw. But not all woods are safe for hamsters like pine and cedar wood.