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How Much Is Hamster Bedding?


Hamster bedding is usually in the region of four or five pounds for a good-sized bag. Your hamster will need a lot of bedding in its cage so that it can satisfy its natural burrowing instincts. There are lots of different types of bedding available, and owners often argue amongst themselves about which is the best type. Whilst the very best kind is debated, there are some things that you should know about each of the options. Bear in mind that all bedding needs to be supplied in hefty amounts so that your pet can burrow inside it.

Bedding choices
Hamsters will love burrowing into their cosy bedding

What Not To Buy

Materials such as pine shavings or cedar shavings aren’t good for hamsters, as these pieces of wood can be quite sharp and stick into your pet. Woods can be abrasive and may cause respiratory problems - the only safe wood-shavings bedding option is aspen shavings, but they aren’t a very comfortable bedding.


Unnatural, fluffy bedding - although this looks really cozy, this material may cause problems if your hamster ever ingests it. There is also the possibility that your pet can get tangled in this and become unable to escape, or have a limb broken in its struggle. It’s best to stick to more natural products.


Newspaper - although this may seem like a good, cheap option, the ink printed onto the papers may be dangerous to hamsters.


Flavoured or scented bedding - as with newspaper, this may seem like a good option, but the chemicals that go into producing the scent may be toxic to your hamster.


Litters designed for cats and dogs - these are abrasive and uncomfortable for your small mammal, and may also be indigestible.


What To Buy


Plant fibre bedding - the most important thing to remember if you want a soft bedding is to choose one that is made from natural plant fibres. Synthetic fibres can cause serious problems with digestion, and so eating large amounts can be fatal for your pet. If there are any warnings on the packets that say the product is indigestible, steer clear.


Paper strips - paper bedding that lacks ink can be a good, cheap option for your pet. Paler colours, or plain white strips, can also help you spot when your pet is suffering from health problems, such as a lack of urination or defecation, and bleeding.


Hay - whether or not this is a good option depends on what breed you have, specifically on how long your pet’s hair is. For example, if you have a long-haired hamster then you might not want to use hay for that pet, as hay is likely to get stuck in their tresses. It’s a good idea to get a hay that’s intended for small mammals, and to avoid straw. Straw is not good for hamsters, as it’s really firm and abrasive, and owners that use this material risk damaging their pet’s skin and eyes.

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Comments

Amber, 27 September 2018

I had hamsters for two years and I have used scented bedding. It was with a lemon scent and it was doing a great job! Nothing happened to the hamsters :) Just sharing, I don't want to argue about it. Cheers