Bedding depth

In November 2006, there was a study done where they placed 45 male Syrian hamsters into individual cages, with different bedding depths- either 80cm, 40cm or 10cm. Hamsters kept with 10cm (4 inches) of bedding showed significantly more boredom behaviours (chewing on the wire). All hamsters that were given 40- 80cm (15.7 - 31.5 inches) constructed burrows which they used. In cages with 80cm (31.5 inches) deep bedding, no boredom behaviours were observed. From this, we can see that providing deep bedding enhances the welfare of hamsters. Because it is difficult to find a cage to allow room for 40cm (15.7 inches) of bedding, and if you have a Syrian hamster, a 28cm (11 inch) wheel, 25cm (10 inches) of bedding is the current minimum. However, if your cage allows you to add more bedding, that is highly recommended and will be extremely beneficial for your hamster. 


Hamsters have very sensitive respiratory systems, so it's important to choose the correct type of bedding so your hamster won't develop a respiratory infection. Pine and cedar beddings and unsafe, due to the level of phenols and toxic acids released. You should also avoid unlabelled beddings and sawdust, as they are usually pine or cedar. Scented bedding is also dangerous and hamsters can develop respiratory infections from this. It would be like if you, as a human, were stuck inside a small room with someone constantly spraying hairspray or perfume.

Safe bedding types includes- unscented paper bedding, spruce, aspen and hemp

A hamster's burrow system 

*Image from Hamster Society Singapore

Hamsters create burrow systems with different chambers for different purposes. For example- one for sleeping, one for storing food, and one as a toilet. 

When adding bedding, it is essential to compress the bedding, so it can easily hold burrows. 

A type of hideout called a 'multi chamber hideout ' can be used as it replicates the different chambers that hamsters make in their burrows, and hamsters often constuct their own burrows underneath them.

Your hamster doesn't burrow?

Some hamsters won't burrow if you don't use the correct type of bedding. Paper Pellets and hemp bedding are not very good bedding types, as they don't hold burrows, therefore, your hamster will be discouraged to burrow. Hemp bedding can be used if you mix soft hay (eg. orchard grass hay) into it, so it won't collapse when your hamster makes a burrow. You can add a burrow starter into the bedding. If you add a tunnel (5cm entrance for dwarfs or 7cm for Syrians) they can make a burrow using the tunnel to start them off. As previously mentioned, make sure the bedding is compressed so it can hold burrows. If your hamster still doesn't burrow, you should never decrease the bedding depth, as they may decide to start burrowing one day, and if they don't have enough bedding, they may not continue. 


Nesting material 

One of the most common nesting materials hamster owners provide is unscented toilet paper. Avoid using kitchen roll as it isn't water soluble and could get stuck inside their food pouches. 

You should avoid using 'fluffy bedding' as it is extremely dangerous. It can get trapped in a hamster's food pouch, cause blockages inside their body, get wrapped around limbs and cut off blood circulation. 


Here are some reviews from amazon and pets at home:



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