What Bedding Does A Hamster Need

When it comes to providing a comfortable and healthy home for your pet hamster, the type of bedding you choose is an essential consideration. The wrong bedding can lead to a range of health problems, from respiratory issues to skin irritation. To ensure your hamster's well-being, it's important to choose a bedding that meets its specific needs.

The ideal bedding for hamsters is absorbent, soft, and hypoallergenic. It should provide a comfortable and insulating environment for your pet, while also being easy to clean. Some of the most popular and recommended bedding options for hamsters include:

Paper-based bedding: This type of bedding is made from recycled paper and is a popular choice for hamsters. It is absorbent, soft, and relatively inexpensive. However, it can be dusty, which can irritate your hamster's respiratory system.
Wood shavings: Wood shavings are another popular option for hamster bedding. They are absorbent and provide good insulation. However, some types of wood shavings, such as pine and cedar, can contain harmful chemicals that can cause health problems for hamsters.
Aspen shavings: Aspen shavings are a good choice for hamsters because they are free of harmful chemicals and are very absorbent. However, they can be more expensive than other types of bedding.
Carefresh: Carefresh is a commercial bedding made from recycled paper and cellulose. It is soft, absorbent, and hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for hamsters with sensitive skin or respiratory issues.
Shredded cardboard: Shredded cardboard is a budget-friendly bedding option that is absorbent and provides good insulation. However, it can be dusty and may not be suitable for hamsters with respiratory problems.

In addition to the type of bedding, you should also consider the amount of bedding you provide for your hamster. A good rule of thumb is to provide enough bedding so that your hamster can burrow and create a nest, but not so much that it becomes difficult for them to move around. The depth of the bedding should be at least 6 inches, but more is always better.

It is important to change your hamster's bedding regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and parasites. The frequency with which you need to change the bedding will depend on the type of bedding you use and how many hamsters you have. A good rule of thumb is to change the bedding every week or two, or more often if necessary.