Your hamster can dig and burrow in the bedding for warmth. It also doubles as your hamster’s bathroom. You need it for your hamster’s enclosure. What do you do if you don’t have enough?
There are many safe and effective DIY options for hamster bedding that you probably already have at home. Continue reading to learn how to make common household items into hamster bedding.
1. Shredded cardboard
Shredded cardboard is one of the easiest and most accessible options to replace your hamster’s bedding. It can be found in any plain mailbox. You can use scissors to shred the cardboard, but we recommend that you finish it by hand in order to avoid sharp edges. You should throw away any cardboard that has been laminated or inked and take out all labels before you shred.
2. Shredded Paper
Hamster bedding can come from any unbleached paper source that has not been printed on. To make soft, absorbent bedding for your pet, you can use napkins, toilet paper, and paper towels to cut up. We keep extra napkins leftover from delivery orders and takeout to ensure we have enough bedding in our home.
3. Hay
You should be providing hay of good quality and freshness to your hamster. However, after the hay has been out for a few days most hammies will start to dislike the “stale” stuff. It’s perfectly okay to save it or use it as bedding.
4. Paper Pulp
Making your own paper pulp is a great way to save money if you aren’t ready for a more difficult and time-consuming project. Victoria Raechel’s Youtube video will show you how to make DIY hamster bedding.
5. Newspaper
As the ink can rub off on their fur, irritation and causing, hamster bedding should only be made from a common everyday newspaper. Although it is unlikely to cause any major problems, or even worse than if your hamster was forced to live without bedding, you should not use it for any more than necessary.
What to NOT Use for Hamster Beds
Under no circumstances should hamster bedding be made from any other household item than the three most common. These are:
- Cat litter is too dusty to be able to be absorbed by your hamster’s respiratory tract and can quickly cause infections. Ingestion of cat litter can also lead to serious digestive problems for your hamster.
- The volatile oils in softwood shavings, particularly cedar and pine, are especially dangerous for small animals (including hamsters). Avoid them at all costs and ensure that commercial bedding does not contain softwoods in its ingredients.
- Corn cob can be marketed as a low-cost alternative to animal bedding. However, it is twice as problematic due to its non-absorbency and potential for digestive problems if consumed.
How to choose safe bedding for your hamster
Hamsters depend on their cage’s bedding for all of their daily activities. You’ll see your hamster interact daily with their bedding, from using the toilet to hiding food to digging in the winter to creating warm spots for winter, and everything in between.
You should look out for these qualities in any material that you use to make hamster bedding.
- Absorbent materials are better at holding urine in the cage. This will prevent messes and extend the time between cleanings.
- Hamsters need to sleep in dust-free bedding because of their tendency to burrow and cause respiratory problems. Avoid bedding that contains fluff and dust. This can cause respiratory infections in your hamster’s nose or mouth.
- Your hamster will not be infected by chemicals if you use chemical-free materials. Be aware of ink as it can cause irritation and bleed onto the skin.
Last Thoughts
You can make a variety of bedding options for your hamster with a little extra thought, time, and effort. It is so important for their happiness and health that you have a backup plan to keep their cage clean and tidy. You should be prepared with all the options on this list!
What other materials can I use for hamster bedding?
Options for safe hamster bedding Aspen slivers Aspen is the only wood-based bedding that is suitable for your hamster. Paper bedding is the most common and extensively used form of hamster bedding.
Can I use toilet paper as bedding for my hamsters?
While toilet paper may appear to be an unexpected, if not bizarre, option, there’s a reason hamsters like to utilize soft, light toilet paper as nest-building material. However, while toilet paper is harmless, it can become moist and cause your hamster’s cage to smell terrible soon.
Can hamsters consume cardboard?
Hamsters do not consume cardboard. Unlike soft items like paper towels or toilet squares, which can enter the hamster’s mouth and be ingested. Cardboard is not something hamsters consume, not even by accident like paper is.
Is it alright for hamsters to go without bedding?
Your hamster requires bedding that he can burrow into in order to be healthy and happy. Bedding absorbs urine and provides a nice, safe surface for your hamster. Finding the best hamster bedding, on the other hand, might take some time, especially if you’re new to having a hamster.
Is tea bag bedding OK for hamsters?
It may be used as multipurpose bedding or nesting for dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, birds, and many small animals such as gerbils, rats, hamsters, and ferrets. It is made from offcuts from tea bag production in the UK that have been unaffected by tea and created in thin strips.
Should I keep my hamster on a daily basis?
Interact with your hamster(s) every day and handle them as much as possible, but keep in mind their napping schedule. Handling hamsters when they are resting or sleeping should be avoided unless absolutely essential since this might be upsetting for them.
How do you create homemade hamster bedding?
Cut some plain, dry white paper into thin strips to construct safe bedding for your hamster. You may also use plain white toilet paper or paper towels to rip up. Hamsters like shredding cardboard strips for bedding.
Do hamsters enjoy using toilet paper rolls?
Some hamster owners use toilet paper rolls as reward tubes, while others simply put them in the cage and let their furry pals figure out how to amuse themselves. Some hamsters sleep in the roll, while others nibble on it. In any case, it’s a cheap method to keep your cat occupied.
Can hamsters consume cheese?
Hamsters should only have a pea-sized quantity of cheese once or twice a week. Choose a low-fat or low-salt cheese, such as low-fat cottage cheese or mozzarella. Cheeses that are fatty or salty, such as aged cheddar, parmesan, and processed cheese products, should be avoided.