Items to Use in a Hamster Cage

Hamsters need a few basic necessities in their cages, including items to provide exercise and a sense of security. While pet stores usually have a wide variety of playthings for hamsters, the list of things you actually need to use in a hamster cage is quite short.

  1. Food and Water Accessories

    • A water bottle and a ceramic or metal food bowl are essential in every hamster cage and cost very little. A water bottle that attaches to the side of the cage is preferable, since hamsters are apt to knock over a bowl of water. Avoid plastic food bowls, which a hamster may chew. Place a high-quality hamster food supplemented with some sliced raw vegetables such as carrots or cucumbers in the bowl.

    Bedding

    • A paper-based bedding is suitable as the substrate in a hamster cage. A thick layer allows the hamster to dig. Never use cedar or pine shavings, which are dangerous to hamsters. Hamsters like a soft lining for their nests and the best (and cheapest) material is plain toilet paper or paper towels. The fluffy material sold for this purpose is potentially dangerous, as it can entangle small rodent feet.

    Nest Boxes

    • Hamsters need a plastic or cardboard nest box as a secure place to sleep. Cardboard boxes need to be replaced every couple of weeks, as they may become soiled. Cut a circular hole a little bigger than the hamster's head on one side of each box as a doorway. Some hamsters will enlarge the entrance or create alternate ones themselves.

    Toys

    • The one essential toy in a hamster cage is a wheel for exercise. A solid plastic wheel is safer than an open runged one, which could trap the hamster's foot and possibly cause injury. Other toys, such a plastic climbing frame or cardboard tunnels, are optional but enrich the animal's environment. Non-toxic untreated wood items, such as apple tree twigs, are good for the hamster to climb and gnaw.

    Cleaning Products

    • A dishwashing liquid and cleaning cloths or sponges are the basic equipment for cleaning a hamster cage. Remove the hamster and place in a pet carrier. Throw away the old bedding and remove the accessories for cleaning. Fill a bucket with hot water and add a squirt or two of dishwashing liquid. Use this soapy mixture to clean the cage and accessories. Dry the cage completely with paper towels before replacing the bedding, hamster and accessories. Don't use the cleaning cloths for any purpose other than cleaning the hamster cage. Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals such as bleach.