Meet Lumiel

After a short break from hamsters so that I could finish off my school year and delve into working over the summer I have finally welcomed another hamster into my life. He is a long haired banded mink syrian named Lumiel. He seems to be a rather mellow and easy going little guy that is most certainly an avid wheel hamster. And now without further delay, the pictures!

I would also like to take the time to mention that I do also have a youtube channel where I share videos of my pets, mostly of the hamsters. The link is right here: My Youtube Channel. Here's a sample:

A Scientific Look at Pine and Cedar

Over on the Hamster Hideout Forum (www.hamsterhideout.com/forum) a couple of members under the username's Taxonomist and tbiM20 both worked together to create a more scientific based look at cedar and pine shavings and the associated dangers of using them for small animals including hamsters. The link to this post is right here: Cedar and Pine: Why You Should Avoid It. 

The post is careful to explain what it is about these softwoods that makes them so dangerous for use in a hamster's home and also explains exactly why pine and cedar are so toxic. If you aren't convinced to switch to an alternative substrate yet then please do give this article a read in order to at least understand what your choice means for your hamster.