Appropriate Substrates: What to use?

Jul 31

2 min read

We all know hamsters must have access to a sandbath filled with safe sand within their enclosure, but what other substrates can be added to improve your hamster's enrichment?

Tip: Hamsters are digging animals and would encounter many different substrates and textures in the wild. At least one additional digging substrate is required.

It is strongly advised to include a variety of substrates in your hamster's enclosure to add interest and enrichment for them. Your enclosure should consist of your majority bedding, your chosen sand and one(or more) additional substrates.

Different substrates can make foraging for food and treats more fun and engaging!

Hamster Safe Substrates

Section 1: Primary Bedding

Hamsters can burrow up to 30 feet deep in the wild. Due to their sensitive respiratory systems, sawdust and softwood shavings are unsafe to burrow through. The minimum advised depth of bedding is 8in/25cm - this usually requires at least 10kg/160L bedding to achieve.