Bedding is a vital component of hamster cages with numerous benefits including offering warmth during cold periods and meeting the pocket-sized rodent’s burrowing needs. It is critical that the cage bedding is changed periodically to enhance breathing and promote a healthy overall environment.

This article answers the question “when should you change hamster bedding?” by discussing how often to put fresh bedding into the cage as well as the benefits associated with the practice.

We also uncover the possible risks of allowing the bedding to get dirty and why every responsible hamster parent cannot allow that to happen. Let’s dive in, shall we?

When Should You Change Hamster Bedding?

Change your hamster’s bedding weekly for the best results but be sure to scoop out dirty clumps each morning to decrease the risks of toxin and odor buildup. Do not hesitate to put in fresh bedding before the weekly timeframe if the current one gets overly soiled for one reason or another.

Why You Shouldn’t Change The Entire Bedding

Changing some of the bedding in the little guy’s cage can be beneficial but avoid removing it entirely for obvious reasons. Hamsters thrive on their sense of smell and leave their scents throughout different areas of the cage.

That is how they’re able to identify familiar environments. Changing the entire litter can throw them off and create the impression of a brand new cage. Could you imagine how much stress your hamster will experience having to live in a new cage every week?

The majority of hamster diseases are stress-induced so changing the entire cage litter may expose them to various infections that can trigger expensive vet visits.

How to Change Your Hamster’s Bedding

Changing your hamster’s bedding is no rocket science but you have to be tactical to get the best results. Getting answers to certain questions about their way of life can be a good guide on how to set up the cage bedding.

Firstly, does the little guy poop and pee in just one or two places in the entire cage, or does he soil everywhere indiscriminately?

If only one or two places are used as the toilet area, spot cleaning can be a great idea to ensure the highest levels of sanitation in the cage without necessarily changing too much litter. You’ll have to clean the poop and pee from those spots by picking up the soiled bedding up to a depth of about 5 inches.

Shaking the entire bedding ensures that leftover seeds and food fall to the bottom of the cage or breeder tank for quick pick-ups. The last thing you need is for your furballs to discover and eat the rotten leftover food later.

However, if they are a bit naughty and habitually soil the entire area of the cage with urine and poop then be sure to remove the top layer up to 5 inches or so deep. But shake the entire bedding first to eliminate leftover food items before refilling with replacement bedding.

When Changing The Entire Cage Bedding Makes Sense

There are instances when changing the entire cage bedding is the most logical way forward and a few of these include:

Allergies

Are your hamsters showing signs of seemingly never-ending sneezing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties after introducing a new type of bedding? These physical symptoms could be a sign of an allergic reaction.

Pick up the hamster from the cage into an entirely new environment such as a hamster ball or escape-proof enclosed area. Then remove all cage components like toys, hamster balls, hideouts, and food/water bowls.

Wash the entire cage thoroughly with water and soap to eliminate traces of the bedding and leave the cage in a cool area to dry. Do not forget to clean the toys and other components too with soapy water because leftovers of the previous bedding material may be stuck in the cage.

Once the cage and components are completely dry, put in a hypoallergenic option such as paper-based or soft granule bedding, and introduce the previous components of the cage. Feel free to bring the hamster back once everything looks set.

Parasites

Are your hamsters suffering from flea or mite infestations? Getting rid of the entire bedding in their cage can be a smart idea. Parasites multiply quickly and by the time the symptoms become apparent, they’ve probably invaded the whole cage environment.

Changing the entire cage litter could be the smartest idea and one of the recommendations your vet will most likely give during treatment. The cage should also be properly washed together with components such as toys and hideouts to obliterate the parasite population.

We recommend applying bug spray on the entire cage areas and components to be completely sure there are no more parasites before putting fresh bedding into the cage.

Flooding

Hamsters cannot get wet because the effects on their health could be devastating. Most cages require large water quantities to flood but it is still possible. If flooding occurs from leaking water bottles or another reason, changing the entire litter might be the best way forward.

In some cases, cage litter may also trap moisture causing the whole environment to feel damp. Scooping out the old in favor of fresh bedding can be a smart move to guarantee that the little guy’s body stays dry.

What Happens If You Don’t Change Hamster Bedding?

Putting in fresh bedding weekly can be stressful while the costs add up over time. So what if you decide not to change the hamster’s bedding any longer?

The cage is where the little guy poops and pees all day (and they’re known for their regular pooping habits). Failure to change the bedding means it is only a matter of time before the whole cage becomes fertile breeding grounds for bacteria.

A bacterial infestation can translate to severe diseases and infections ranging from Wet-Tail to Tyzzer Disease and Salmonella. Each of these can be potentially life-threatening but even if your hamster survives, his quality of life may reduce significantly.

Besides, the costs of vet visits, antibiotics, and other treatments do not come cheap and that can be significantly more expensive compared to the price of changing the litter regularly.

Keeping soiled bedding may also lead to discomfort for little pet rodents. The stench from the urine and poop could be unbearable resulting in high-stress levels that may increase their exposure to diseases and infections.

A stinking hamster cage can affect the whole house bringing a lot of tension among all inhabitants. Visitors to your home will be eager to get out of there while family members are forced to put up with the uncomfortable stench.

When is The Best Time to Clean Your Hamster’s Cage?

The best time to clean your hamster’s cage is at night an hour or so after the little guy has woken up. Make sure he’s fully awake by himself and allow some free time to eat, drink, poop, and self-groom.

The cleaning process can proceed after taking him out of the cage. For the best results, never clean the cage while your hamster is still in there whether awake or deeply asleep.

How Should I Disinfect My Hamster’s Cage?

It is always a good idea to clean the bottom of the little guy’s cage with disinfectant to eliminate traces of microorganisms that may be carrying infections and diseases.

The walls of the cage should also be targeted with disinfectant because they can be another favorite spot for bacteria and other microorganisms to lodge. After disinfecting make sure to wipe the entire cage dry with a clean cloth and air it out in the sun.

Where Can I Put My hamster When Cleaning His Cage?

It is no secret that you cannot clean your hamster cage while your furry friend is still in there in any capacity. But where do you put him to maintain safety and comfort throughout the cleaning process?

The first option is an enclosed room with no holes or spots they can escape through. Also, make sure all doors and windows are closed to minimize the chances of fleeing through any of the exits.

Do not forget to inform other household members to prevent others from accidentally opening the doors or windows.

A small bin cage can be another great option to keep the hamster temporarily safe during the cleaning process. Make sure the bin cage features familiar toys and other cage components to keep him busy while you get to work.

What Bedding Is Not Good for Hamsters?

Many types of bedding can be terrible for your little guy’s health and a few of those include:

Cedar Shavings

Cedar shavings could be a poor bedding choice for hamsters for different reasons. Most are allergic to them and exposure may lead to respiratory infections ranging from bronchitis to asthma.

Cedar shavings can appear to be a cheap option but the negatives may outweigh any savings you might make financially. Avoid them for your furry friend’s safety and comfort.

Sawdust

Sawdust is probably the cheapest bedding material out there but is it the right option for your hamster? Sawdust can be extremely dusty increasing the chances of stuffing up your little guy’s nose and causing significant breathing problems.

Shredded Cardboard

Shredded cardboard may not cause allergic reactions but the texture can be a bit harsh on the little guy’s skin. If you’re looking for the most comfortable bedding type for hamsters, it may not be the best option.

Scented Bedding

Most scented bedding options available for sale contain chemicals that may cause issues for your little guy. These chemicals can trigger allergic reactions resulting in various avoidable health problems. This bedding type can also breathing difficulties for hamsters during burrowing.

Conclusion: When Should You Change Hamster Bedding?

Your hamster’s cage bedding should be changed weekly to ensure proper sanitation in their environment. Not only does removing soiled bedding eliminate feces and urine residue from the cage but also helps get rid of potentially harmful microorganisms they may bring.

Always choose the right bedding to promote good health and comfort for your little guy. Avoid options such as scented bedding, sawdust, and cedar shavings because hamsters may be allergic increasing the risks of symptoms such as breathing difficulties.