How to Get Your Hamster to Nest Somewhere Else

Hamsters are common first pets for children, even though, according to the ASPCA, hamsters are nocturnal creatures that usually don't corrdinate with the schedules of young children. Hampsters are originally from Syria and have a life span of a few years. They do have a tendency to bite when woken up during the day when they are biologically supposed to be sleeping. If you find your hamster is nesting with found materials in his cage, you can easily move the nest somewhere else by adding a nesting box. This will make it more comfortable for him and boost his own sense of security.

Things You'll Need

  • Child's shoebox
  • Hamster-safe cleaners
  • Sponge
  • Aspen shavings
  • Paper towels
  • Cardboard rolls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove any nesting material that your hamster has made on his own. Hamsters will chew up wood chips and paper to make a nest. They need a nest for a sense of security as well as a place to sleep.

    • 2

      Place the hamster in a small child's shoebox while you clean out his cage. Remove all the wood shavings. Use hamster-safe cleaners with a clean sponge to properly sanitize his cage.

    • 3

      Add aspen shavings to your cleaned hamster cage. Place the child's shoebox upside down in the corner of his cage. This will become his new nesting box. It will give him security and be a comfortable spot for him to sleep in. Also, a shoebox is a cheaper alternative to store-bought nesting boxes.

    • 4

      Put paper towels and old cardboard rolls in the cage. Your hamster can chew on these items and place them in his nesting box once he has adjusted to being back in the clean cage.

    • 5

      Give your hamster water and food in his usual water bottle and food bowl. Be sure he always has fresh water to drink and enough food to eat.