How Many Times Should You Change Hamster Bedding

How Often Should You Change Hamster Bedding?

Hamsters are adorable and playful pets, but they can also be messy. One of the most important aspects of hamster care is keeping their cage clean, which includes changing their bedding regularly. But how often should you change hamster bedding? The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of bedding you use, the number of hamsters you have, and how often you spot-clean the cage.

Types of Hamster Bedding

There are many different types of hamster bedding available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular types of bedding include:

Paper-based bedding: Paper-based bedding is made from recycled paper and is a good choice for hamsters because it is absorbent and inexpensive. However, it can be dusty and can irritate your hamster's respiratory system.
Wood shavings: Wood shavings are another popular type of hamster bedding. They are made from natural wood and are absorbent and comfortable. However, some types of wood shavings can contain harmful chemicals, so it is important to choose a brand that is specifically designed for hamsters.
Corn cob bedding: Corn cob bedding is made from crushed corn cobs and is a good choice for hamsters because it is absorbent and dust-free. However, it can be expensive and can be difficult to find in some stores.
Carefresh bedding: Carefresh bedding is made from recycled paper and wood pulp and is a good choice for hamsters because it is absorbent, dust-free, and comfortable. However, it can be expensive.

How Many Hamsters Do You Have?

The number of hamsters you have will also affect how often you need to change their bedding. A single hamster will produce less waste than a group of hamsters, so you will need to change their bedding less often. If you have multiple hamsters, you will need to change their bedding more frequently.

How Often Do You Spot-Clean the Cage?

Spot-cleaning the cage involves removing any wet or soiled bedding from the cage. Spot-cleaning the cage regularly will help to keep the cage clean and reduce the amount of time you need to spend cleaning the entire cage. If you spot-clean the cage daily, you may only need to change the bedding once a week. If you spot-clean the cage less frequently, you will need to change the bedding more often.

Recommended Bedding Change Frequency

Based on the factors discussed above, the following is a recommended bedding change frequency:

Paper-based bedding: Change once a week.
Wood shavings: Change every 5-7 days.
Corn cob bedding: Change every 7-10 days.
Carefresh bedding: Change every 10-14 days.

Of course, these are just general recommendations. You may need to change your hamster's bedding more or less often depending on your individual circumstances. If you are unsure how often to change your hamster's bedding, consult with your veterinarian.