cotton balls

Question
Dear Karen,

I was reading some of your other questions and answers and I noticed something about cotton balls. I just started giving them to my dwarf hammies, and they seem to love them, but is this not safe? Everyone seems to have a different opinion so I was wondering if you culd set me straight!

thanks!

Answer
Hi Sarah,

    I have never had trouble with using cotton balls in my hamsters cages. They have never gotten their legs caught(or gotten hurt) in them nor have they gotten them stuck in their mouths and I have been using them for over 5 years.
    Cotton balls are not like the fiber bedding you can get for hamsters at the pet stores. The fiber is more stiff and kind of stringy which causes the hamsters to get their feet and legs tangled up in it. I also believe that the cotton balls help keep the hamsters warmer than the fiber bedding. Of course this is just my personal opinion.
    I do know that more hamster owners have had more trouble with the fiber type bedding than with cotton balls. It is a personal choice on what to use.
    If you have anymore questions, please write again.

Thank you for writing!