Hamsters are burrowers, so it’s only natural for them to look for somewhere to burrow into, even in cages. Burrowing is important to hamsters as it makes them feel secure, especially in vulnerable situations like sleeping or hiding from predators. Bedding allows hamsters to burrow as they please, so how many inches of bedding should hamsters be getting?
Hamsters need at least 4 inches (10 cm) of bedding. Generally, the more the bedding, the better; you may include more bedding for your hamster if you like. Always replace the bedding (preferably once a week) and keep the cage clean.
Every hamster is different, so, despite the recommended 4 inches (10 cm) of bedding, it’s important to know the amount your hamster likes having. Keep reading to learn more.
How Deep Should a Hamster’s Bedding Be?
If you plan to keep hamsters as companions, you need to know what they like. Hamsters love keeping themselves busy, like running, eating, napping, and grooming. They also like burrowing into their bedding.
Hamster bedding isn’t only meant to keep these furry ones warm and comfortable; it’s also for the hamster to burrow into. In the wild, hamsters (just like other rodents) dig the ground to keep themselves safe from predators. The deeper they are inside the ground, the safer they feel.
Despite being domesticated, pet hamsters will instinctively burrow into the ground—it’s in their nature. Hamsters dig the ground to make tunnels where they can move freely and breed. So, when providing your hamster with new bedding, make sure to give them bedding that makes them feel like they’re in the wild. The bedding must be deep enough.
A hamster’s bedding should be no less than 4 inches (10 cm) deep. It’s a recommended depth for most hamsters. However, the bedding quantity must suit your hamster cage size. Add more bedding to a bigger cage. German-style hamster cages, for example, can have up to 20 inches (50 cm) deep of bedding.
Hamsters Need a Bedding Depth That Suits Their Bodies and Cage Sizes
Hamsters need bedding suitable for their body sizes and cages.
The following are common bedding depths for hamsters:
| Type of Hamster | Bedding Depth |
| Syrian | 15 inches (38 cm) or more |
| Chinese | 6 to 8 inches (15 cm to 20 cm) or more |
| Dwarf | 4 to 8 inches (10 cm to 20 cm) or more |
Chinese and dwarf hamsters are smaller than Syrian hamsters, so they usually don’t require as much bedding since their cages are usually smaller. But the more bedding in the cage, the better, giving your hamster more to dig into. Likewise, it might be best that the cage isn’t overfilled—the bedding won’t suffocate the hamster, but it can harm your hamster’s health if it’s dirty.
Providing your hamster with ample bedding will ensure its happiness. Hamsters like Syrians are happier when getting bedding at least 16 inches (40 cm) or deeper.
Hamsters Are the Happiest When They Enjoy Their Homes
If you plan to keep hamsters as companions, remember that they love burrowing besides running, eating, napping, and grooming.
As discussed earlier, adding a lot of bedding to the cage won’t suffocate your hamster. Hamsters enjoy more bedding to dig more tunnels, similar to what they’d do in the wild.
The problem is when the bedding isn’t changed when it’s dirty. Dirty bedding can lead to diseases. Furthermore, if the cage has too much dirty bedding, it can cause breathing difficulties for the hamster.
Clean Bedding Is Important To Keep Your Hamster Healthy
Keeping your hamster bedding clean is important to ensure your hamster’s happiness. Bedding can help with odor control (and keep your hamster cool). But if it goes unchanged, it can cause the hamster to fall ill. Dirty bedding may have the hamster’s pee, poo, and probably parasites (like ticks).
Additionally, a dirty cage can lead to respiratory issues. It’s not only a problem for your pet but also for you when sharing the same space, say in the living room.
Hamsters Are Happier the Deeper Their Bedding
As established in this article, hamsters love deep bedding. By providing your hamster with at least 4 inches (10 cm) deep of bedding, you’re keeping it happy. The deeper the bedding, the better, as the hamster will have more to dig and burrow.
However, burrowing and staying inside the bedding won’t be pleasant if the bedding is dirty. Hamsters are very clean animals, so a dirty environment will make them unhappy.
More Tunnels To Make Means More Exercise
A hamster’s wheel (and enough food and water) is usually enough to help a hamster stay fit and healthy. But it’s more fun with deep bedding. The bedding mimics the ground in a hamster’s natural habitat. Your hamster will want to dig the bedding, burrow into it, and hide in it—if your hamster does it so often, you may always wonder where your hamster is whenever you stop by the cage to check on it.
Summary
Hamsters need at least 4 inches (10 cm) deep of bedding to be happy. The bedding mimics ground hamsters like digging and burrowing within their natural habitat. Determine how much bedding your hamster is content with and stick to it. You’ll know if your hamster is happy with it by observing your hamster from time to time.
Since bedding can get easily dirty (especially if your hamster isn’t potty trained), changing the bedding once a week is ideal.