mysterious death?

Question
QUESTION: We have two Black bear hamsters in two different rooms two kids one we have had for about 4 MOS. the other maybe two. on monday we changed their bedding yesterday morning both hamsters seemed to be fine we could hear them running, later that night one was dead. And now today the other. we cleaned the tanks with just plain tap water and a paper towel replaced new bedding food fresh water as usual what could have happened? I now have 2 sad children

ANSWER: Hi lucas,

do you use the 'Fluffy Bedding' which can be found in pet stores?

This is known to be very dangerous because if a hamster accidently swallows some it cannot be digested and will kill the hamster.

Regards,

Tammy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I used a bedding that looks like chopped up drink carriers it was recommended by the pet store, would this be known as "fluffy" Should I have used the cedar shavings

Answer
Hi Lucas,

the best bedding to use is shredded paper / newspaper / tissue / kitchen towels etc.

Wood shavings are fine to use but make sure it is not cedar or pine, and do not use anything which has a lot of dust.  The bigger the shavings the better!

Regards,

Tammy