Here’s a detailed guide to changing hamster bedding, categorized by practical scenarios:
1. Basic Replacement Frequency
Summer (High Temperature & Humidity)
Daily Checks: Focus on cleaning urine-soaked areas (especially yellowed or clumped urine stains).
Full Cage Change: Every 5–7 days. Use highly absorbent bedding (e.g., tofu litter, paper pellets) to prevent bacterial growth.
Pro tip: Add an ice pad or cooling plate to help with heat dissipation.
Winter (Low Temperature & Dryness)
Partial Cleaning: Remove waste every 2–3 days, keeping clean bedding to retain warmth.
Full Cage Change: Every 15–20 days. Bedding should be at least 5cm thick (a mix of wood shavings and hay is recommended).
Note: Avoid frequent changes—hamsters rely on bedding scents to mark their territory.
Spring & Autumn (Mild Seasons)
Weekly Checks: Focus on removing food scraps and damp areas.
Full Cage Change: Every 10–14 days. Ensure good ventilation to prevent mold.
2. Key Tips for Different Bedding Types
Wood Shavings/Paper Cotton
Moderate absorbency; replace every 7–10 days, or more often in humid weather.
Note: Avoid pine shavings (they contain phenols harmful to hamsters).
Corn Cob/Tofu Litter
Highly absorbent; can be replaced every 10–15 days, but clumps should be sifted out daily.
Advantage: Eco-friendly and flushable, ideal for hamsters that pee in specific spots.
Walnut Shell Litter/Coconut Coir
Good at odor control and inhibiting bacteria; replace every 15–20 days. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the cage monthly.
Drawback: Tends to be dusty—use with dust-free bedding.
3. Handling Special Situations
Sick/Diarrheic Hamsters: Immediately replace all bedding and clean the cage with pet-safe disinfectant.
Moldy/Odorful Bedding: No matter the schedule, replace bedding the same day mold is spotted.
Newly Arrived Hamsters: Avoid changing bedding for the first 3 days to reduce stress.
4. Tips to Extend Bedding Lifespan
Layered Bedding: Use absorbent litter at the bottom, wood shavings in the middle, and hay on top.
Zoned Management: Separate areas for the nest, wheel, and toilet. Clean the toilet area daily.
Retain Old Bedding: Mix 1/3 old bedding with new when changing to help your hamster adjust to the scent.
Key Principle: Observe your hamster’s behavior! If it scratches frequently, sneezes, or hides more than usual, the bedding may be causing allergies or be too dirty—replace it early.