The attached article from the Royal Veterinary College, Uk shows that hamsters need large, well ventilated cages and gives specifics on the ideal temperature for the hamster's environment (between 18 degrees centigrade and 26 degrees centigrade). It confirms that hamster balls are considered unsafe and unsuitable and that paper beddings are more suitable and less risky than sawdust or dusty wood shavings. It confirms that hamsters need a deep layer of bedding.
The only thing that is questionable is their advice to clean out an enclosure fully a week. With large cages and deep bedding, and spot cleaning and emptying litter trays, full cage cleans once a week aren't necessary and we think partial cage cleans are better to avoid stress for the hamster, providing things are kept hygienic.
To read the article, click on "Go to Download" (Orange tab, top right).
The only thing that is questionable is their advice to clean out an enclosure fully a week. With large cages and deep bedding, and spot cleaning and emptying litter trays, full cage cleans once a week aren't necessary and we think partial cage cleans are better to avoid stress for the hamster, providing things are kept hygienic.
To read the article, click on "Go to Download" (Orange tab, top right).
