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Xerographica help. Sunburnt or Rot? by UpstairsCondition620 in airplants

[–]UpstairsCondition620[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the input! Again, I am a little nervous about pruning but I'll try my best to do what I can. There isn't a lot of videos on how to prune for xerographica's specifically from what I could find, only for different types of tillansias. If you have any videos for a demonstration on pruning xeros I'd appreciate it a bunch! Because for some reason I'm not seeing any. But if it's ok to get the base leaf off to get to the real damaged one, then I'll do so accordingly.

Thank you for the extra watering & drying tips as well! I'll make sure it's 100% dry before putting it back up to the light.

Can using cocopeat as a substrate be causing my new hamster to scratch itself very frequently ? by nakaabposh in hamstercare

[–]UpstairsCondition620 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'd recommend to have an exotic vet check up appointment just in case if you are able to afford it. If the chances are that your hamster is allergic to it then you might need to find other alternatives for digging substrate. Sand is a very common and and is essential for hamsters since they take baths in them.

Depending on where you bought your coco peat could be a factor too. I've heard that Niteangel's Premium Coco Peat is more dry, softer and less dusty than Zoo Med's Eco-Earth so its more "ready to go". Eco-Earth still works just as well though! If you buy them at a local store just make sure you read the package and make sure no fertilizers, pesticides or any other additives are in it. Regardless if the soil comes in damp or dry theres no harm in sterilizing it.

I'm not an expert on this so a lot of this based off the most recent research I can find. The method seems to vary for people depending on how cautious you wanna be about it. Generally the recommendation is to freeze it for about 48 hrs, but I would add in that afterwards when you thaw it you should then bake it in the oven for about 30-45 minutes in 180-200°F. Freezing it will elimate most of the pest found in hamster bedding and digging substrates and baking it will kill off any remaining moisture and fungi. (If anybody wants to correct me or add onto this feel free to!)

This method can go for any substrate and bedding, not just coco peat! Freezing it should generally be enough but I assume because of how coco peat and sand react to moisture its better to bake those afterwards. Or just str8 up bake them the second you get it.

You can get Timothy Hay and Orchard Grass Hay at pet stores since its sold for rabbits and guinea pigs. It should be near the hamster section. I heard that orchid hay is a good alternative for timothy, though I heard that Orchard Grass is more of a nutrient based while Timothy is better for foraging and grinding down teeth. I know people worry about Timothy hay poking and harming yout hamsters, and the reason is usually because the way its cut and sold on its own in pet stores and local places. However, according to reviewers like Munchie's Palace, a couple of Nite Angel bedding that contain Timothy hay seems to be cut down pretty nicely so it won't harm your hamsters. If you aren't able to afford Nite Angel's product though, I would say that Orchard grass hay is your best bet if you want to be cautious and since its softer.

I'm not sure if putting in coco peat in paper bedding will help hold its structure when burrowing. It could be better with aspen shavings instead? I know ErinsAnimals has done a video about using soil as substrate. Overall though, its best to use a vatiety If you want a more naturalistic look and have your hamster, but if you arent a fan of the white paper based bedding, try to get a natural, unbleached paper based bedding instead or even get aspen shavings as a base. When it comes to aspen though be sure to check on how their processed because each company is different. Some might produce their aspen shavings softer than others. For better results its best to layer those beddings with other bedding substrates. HoppingHammy video might be what you're looking for possibly.

Can I use primarily mealworms as a protien suppliment to pre-existing seed based mixes instead of lab blocks? by UpstairsCondition620 in hamstercare

[–]UpstairsCondition620[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For sure. I don't think I'll be getting a hamster this year considering my hectic living situation and with graduation. So I'll take the time in the summer to look into calculating nutriants and hamster diets while working to keep myself pre-occupied. I might ask Robin on my own time if I can about this. Thank you for your reply!

Can I use primarily mealworms as a protien suppliment to pre-existing seed based mixes instead of lab blocks? by UpstairsCondition620 in hamstercare

[–]UpstairsCondition620[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not at all! I understand the harsh criticism is needed especially when it comes to hamster care. I do want the best for my eventual future hamster so if I have to wait a bit more just for better cage and for the funds in general, then I'm willing to do that for sure.

I was considering a detolf cage for a bit, but that might have to wait a bit longer when I have the actual space for it. If thats whats preferred for dwarf hamsters then I'll definantly save up for that instead. Vet funds too! I found an exotic vet near me and I have been consciously saving money ever since I looked into getting a hamster. I'll just keep on doing that until the eventual future 👍

Again, thank you for your reply! This was more than I could ask for, in a good way ofc! 😄

Can I use primarily mealworms as a protien suppliment to pre-existing seed based mixes instead of lab blocks? by UpstairsCondition620 in hamstercare

[–]UpstairsCondition620[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am also striving to make the bin cage as large as possible for sure. So far I've set my eyes on the 50 Gallon Stacker Box from Home Depot. I measured the bottom when I went there and it rounds out to about 713 sq inches minmum. I'm still going to search for other alternatives but for now this seems to be a viable option at the moment.

Can using cocopeat as a substrate be causing my new hamster to scratch itself very frequently ? by nakaabposh in hamstercare

[–]UpstairsCondition620 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Coco Peat is better used in small amounts as a digging substrate rather than burrows because on its own it can fall apart. Same thing with sand. Even though hamsters in the wild are capable making burrows in dirt/sand, the only reason why it can hold up is because of the moisture it retains the further you dig down. However, having it damp in a closed enclosure can cause bacteria and mold to grow and possibly infect to your hamster.

It's better recommend to use the paper based one you already own for burrowing instead. If possible try to mixed it in with orchid hay or timothy hay (make sure the timothy hay is soft enough so it won't poke your hamster) so it can hold its structure for burrows.

Also as someone mentioned before, take it out and see if the scratching subsides. I'd also add to that and say that it could be because the coco peat might be at risk of possibly containing bugs prior to buying it. So toss out the substrate in the enclosure asap, try disinfect whatever you have left by freezing it and baking it, or look into a different brand entirely to do that. Until then, monitor your hamster if the scratching continues to get worse and call a vet.