Hamsters love to burrow whether in the wild or in domesticated settings such as cages and breeder tanks. In most cases, the deeper the depth of the bedding material, the more the pocket rodent seems to love getting in there.

This article answers the question “how do hamsters breathe under bedding” by revealing the mechanism that prevents the popular pocket rodents from suffocating under several inches of bedding material.

We also discuss the right depth of bedding they require to enjoy maximum burrowing as well as the best cage litter options for them.

How Do Hamsters Breathe Under Bedding?

Hamsters are masters of breathing under tunnels, burrows, and bedding materials since their airways still work well even in those settings. Hiding or lying under deep burrows does not inhibit their ability to breathe eliminating the risk of suffocating.

Instances of hamsters dying during burrowing are rare and even when they do occur, it is typically due to illness or other hard-to-explain causes. Feel free to fill up your hamster’s cage with the right burrowing material without worrying about the little guy suffocating to death.

What is My Hamster Doing Under His Bedding?

Hamsters hide or burrow under the bedding for a variety of reasons including storing food for future consumption, hiding from perceived danger, and enjoying some warmth during cool temperatures or vice versa. They may also burrow to sleep under the bedding or even just for the sake of it.

Burrowing is an instinctive habit borrowed from their time in the wild when hamsters’ survival depended on it. Even though they may not face the same predatory risks, food shortages, and extreme temperature exposure, they still burrow as a natural instinct.

It is an innate behavior that makes them happy and your responsibility as a hamster parent is to create the necessary conditions to promote effective burrowing. Failure to do that can result in aggression and other unruly behaviors in your hamsters.

Can You Put Too Much Bedding in A Hamster Cage?

There’s no such thing as too much bedding in your hamster’s cage. Syrians can thrive under even 15 inches of bedding without problems. The most important thing is that the bedding material be clean and not contain allergens that may be harmful to your hamsters.

In the wild, hamsters burrow several inches down the ground without problems in spite of the prevailing harsh conditions. So do you really think piled-up bedding from wood shavings or paper-based materials can create life-threatening problems for them?

How Many Inches Do Hamsters Need to Burrow?

Hamsters need at least 6 inches of bedding to burrow comfortably. Obviously, physically larger breeds such as adult Syrians may have slightly more demanding burrowing requirements and may be happier in thicker piles of bedding.

We recommend monitoring your hamster’s behavior to determine whether they’re currently burrowing comfortably in their cage or breeder tank setup. Do not hesitate to top up the bedding if you notice the little guy would be happier with deeper burrowing.

Best Bedding for Hamsters

There are several bedding options available for hamsters but not all of them are right for them. Here are a few of the recommended types.

Aspen Shavings

Derived from 100 percent Aspen Lumber, these premium shavings are hypoallergenic and dust-free. They make some of the best bedding materials for hamsters and other caged animals.

Soft Granule Bedding

Soft Granule Bedding is soft, highly absorbent bedding derived from wood fibers. It offers a great cage habitat for hamsters to move around and engage in normal activities such as eating, sleeping, and burrowing.

Paper Bedding

Paper bedding is popular among hamster parents due to its soft nature. Always choose ink-free varieties to minimize the risks of exposure to toxins because rodents typically experience adverse reactions when exposed to ink as they find it poisonous.

Paper bedding may need to be changed more regularly than other types such as hay since they can be prone to bad scents from the hamster’s urine and poop.

Timothy Hay

Timothy Hay is widely used as a bedding material for hamsters. Unlike other rodents that primarily feed on hay, hamsters prefer using it as bedding due to the soft texture on their bodies.

The well-dried hay should be aired out to eliminate traces of dust particles before setting it up in your hamster’s cages.

Can Hamsters Die From Burrowing?

There are no known cases of hamsters dying from burrowing regardless of the depth or type of bedding material. Hamsters may be allergic to certain types of bedding like wood shavings and sawdust which may pose problems such as respiratory infections.

But, the probability of your little guys dying from burrowing can be a stretch. Hamsters are instinctive burrowers and have become masters of the habit after practicing across multiple centuries without problems.

If you were to find the lifeless body of a hamster buried under the bedding in a cage, it could be due to rapid death, an unexplained condition that is unrelated to the act of burrowing. As a precaution, always choose the right type of bedding for hamsters and make sure they’re changed routinely to maintain cleanliness.

Can Hamsters Get Stuck Under Bedding?

Hamsters cannot get stuck under bedding because they have highly flexible spines that enable them to move through even the tightest of areas. These creatures are able to maneuver tighter and much harder spaces in the ground so bedding materials in cages should be no problem.

Even if they should get stuck, your pet rodents can easily dig their way out from the deepest ends of their cage. The probability of hamsters getting stuck under bedding is almost impossible regardless of the depth.

Is Paper Bedding OK For Hamsters?

Paper bedding is one of the best options for hamsters. They’re soft on the pocket rodent’s skin and allow them to enjoy deep sleep at night.

Unlike wood shavings and sawdust, paper bedding does not contain allergens that can cause breathing difficulties for your little guys. Fortunately, paper bedding is widely available in pet stores and online retailers such as Amazon at affordable prices.

How Do You Set Up Hamster Bedding?

Here are the steps for setting up the bedding in your hamster’s cage.

1. Empty the cage completely
2. Pour the bedding across the whole area of the cage until it reaches your preferred depth
3. Rearrange the hamster’s toys
4. Rearrange the hamster’s tunnels, running tubes, food, and water bottles
5. Introduce the hamster into the cage when fully set up

Conclusion: How Do Hamsters Breathe Under Bedding?

Hamsters have mastered the art of breathing under bedding without problems. These creatures have practiced and refined the habit over many centuries and are able to burrow under any depth of bedding flawlessly.

If you find the lifeless body of a hamster under a thick pile of bedding, the death may be due to external factors such as heart failure and not suffocation. But, make sure bedding is always clean and devoid of allergens that can cause problems for the little guy.