The frequency of changing hamster bedding needs to be adjusted flexibly according to the season, environmental humidity, and hamster behavior. Below is a comprehensive set of recommendations:
I. Basic Bedding Change Frequency
Summer (High-Temperature Period)
When the temperature exceeds 28°C (82.4°F), it is recommended to fully replace the bedding every 2–3 days. High temperatures accelerate bacterial growth, and hamsters also tend to urinate more frequently in hot weather, which can quickly make the bedding unhygienic.
If you use absorbent paper pellets or corn cob bedding (which have better moisture-wicking properties), you can extend the replacement interval to every 3–5 days.
Spring & Autumn (15–25°C / 59–77°F)
Replace the bedding completely once a week. For areas that are locally soiled with urine, clean only those specific spots instead of changing all the bedding. Leave some of the old bedding in the cage—this helps retain the hamster’s familiar scent and reduces stress caused by sudden environmental changes.
Winter (Below 10°C / 50°F)
Replace the bedding every 15–20 days. Focus on sifting out damp or soiled parts of the bedding; keep the bedding in areas where the hamster stores food, as this helps maintain warmth in the cage (hamsters rely on thick, dry bedding to insulate themselves from the cold).
II. Adjustments for Special Circumstances
Number of Hamsters & Cage Size:
For a single hamster in a large cage: Replace bedding every 10–14 days (the larger space reduces the concentration of waste).
For multiple hamsters or a small cage: Shorten the interval to every 3–7 days (more hamsters or limited space lead to faster soiling).
Humidity Control:
If the environmental humidity exceeds 60%, increase the frequency of bedding changes. High humidity creates a damp environment that promotes mold growth, which is harmful to hamsters’ respiratory health.
Breeding Period:
For mother hamsters during lactation (nursing their pups), replace the bedding once a week. Frequent but gentle changes prevent the buildup of bacteria that could infect the vulnerable baby hamsters.
III. Practical Tips for Changing Bedding
Layered Bedding Method
Summer: Use tofu litter or cat litter (unscented, clumping-free types) as the bottom layer to absorb urine efficiently; spread wood shavings on the top layer to help with heat dissipation.
Winter: Use thick paper cotton as the main bedding material—it traps heat well and keeps the cage warm.
Keep Some Old Bedding
Every time you change the bedding, retain 1/3 of the clean, dry old bedding. Mix it with the new bedding to preserve the hamster’s scent, which helps them feel secure and adapt to the “new” environment faster.
Handling Abnormal Situations
If you notice mold on the bedding, a strong unpleasant odor (beyond normal hamster cage smells), or your hamster repeatedly scratching at the bedding (a sign of discomfort), replace all the bedding immediately. At the same time, check the hamster’s health (e.g., for signs of skin irritation or respiratory issues) to rule out related problems.
Conclusion: Bedding changes need to balance hygiene and the hamster’s psychological needs. Opt for more frequent changes in summer and less frequent ones in winter, and adjust flexibly based on environmental humidity and individual hamster circumstances.