What bedding is best for hamsters?

Litter made from paper products, wood, vegetables or grain is absorbent and generally considered the safest type of bedding for your hamster. Shredded paper (such as paper towels and plain paper) is okay if you’re in a pinch. However, this type of bedding is not absorbent and stays damp easily.

How often should hamster bedding be changed?

Besides scooping out dirty bedding every day, plan to change out all of the bedding in your hamster’s habitat once a week. This includes removing any food your hamster may have stored throughout the week, as well. Wash the entire habitat once a month.

How do you make homemade hamster bedding?

Shipping boxes, greeting cards, toilet paper and paper towel rolls, and egg cartons are acceptable as bedding materials. Discard any cardboard that has ink on the surface because your hamster could ingest the ink when gnawing. Rip cardboard into small pieces and cover the bottom of your hamster’s cage.

Is scented bedding OK for hamsters?

No Scented Bedding Their correspondingly sensitive and delicate respiratory systems are very susceptible to the artificial chemicals in scented bedding; Prolonged exposure to scented bedding can cause hamsters and other rodents to develop a host of health and breathing problems.

Do hamsters need 6 inches of bedding?

Scientific studies on hamster bedding have even found that a bedding depth of at least 15-inches can help improve a hamster’s overall health and well being.

How often should I hold my hamster?

Once your hamster feels comfortable with being held, be sure to hold him and play with him once a day. He’s a nocturnal animal, so he’ll probably want to play with you at night — approach him in the evening after he’s awakened. Hold him for a bit.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for hamsters?

You’ll also need a disinfectant. You can find cleaning solutions in pet stores. Or, you can use dish soap or a mild hand soap. Don’t use harsh chemicals for daily or weekly cleanings, as these can be dangerous for pets.

Can I put lavender in hamster cage?

Yes. Natural lavender scent is actually what is harmful to rodents,and I’d guess the same with artificial. Lavender is incredibly irritating to rodents even when we humans may think it smells nice.