This article will not recommend any products. Instead, I will teach you how to make or purchase budget-friendly alternatives to save costs. According to my statistics, most hamster owners are students or office workers with limited space who wish to keep pets. We strive to provide our hamsters with the best living environment within our means, rather than buying expensive products. I believe that your intentions as a pet owner will be felt by your hamster!
Bedding
First, let’s talk about bedding. Bedding can actually replace some functions of a nest, as hamsters can use it to build their own nests. If you don’t have a warm nest, please be sure to purchase the following bedding options:
- Paper Cotton: Warm, breathable, dust-free, and soft, it’s perfect for thick layering in winter.
Alternative: As a cost-saving expert, I recommend using paper towels when resources are limited. Yes, those large packs of paper towels from the supermarket! Tear them into strips or small pieces, and you’ll see your precious hamster stuff them into its cheeks and carry them to the nest, tearing them into shreds to create a cozy home. - Cotton Balls: Similar in function to paper cotton but softer and more insulating.
Alternative: Head to a nearby pharmacy and buy a pack of medical cotton balls, the kind that doctors use to press on injection sites. Toss a handful into the cage, and when they get dirty (they will clump together), just take them all out. This way, your hamster gets to build a new home every so often! 😂 A single pack of medical cotton can last an entire winter without using even a quarter of it, making it extremely cost-effective. - Hay: Edible and warm, hay adds variety to the hamster’s living environment and provides different textures for their sensitive paw pads. Timothy hay is recommended.
Alternative: Feel free to gather some wild grass, just make sure it’s non-toxic. - Wood Shavings: Suitable for year-round use, wood shavings provide some insulation but are best used in combination with the first two options.
Alternative: I actually do not recommend trying to make your own wood shavings. I’ve tried it, and unfiltered wood shavings can cause serious respiratory issues for hamsters. Even after sifting multiple times, my hamsters still sneezed after using them. Therefore, if you can’t get dust-free wood shavings, it’s best to purchase them.
Nest
Providing your hamster with a warm nest is like giving us humans a luxurious bed, rather than making a bed out of old clothes and newspapers. It might not matter to the hamster, but it satisfies our psychological needs and is great for photos. 😏
- Cotton Nest: Cute in design, it not only provides a warm sleeping environment but also adds aesthetic value. Just imagine a hamster living in a Christmas sock or a mushroom house!
Alternative: If the price is too high or you don’t need a themed nest, no worries! A retired cotton slipper or glove can be a more cost-effective option. Just remember to clean it thoroughly to avoid any fungal infections for your furry friend. - Heating Box: A small pet breeding box with temperature control features, which can be quite expensive but offers precise temperature management. Generally, it’s unnecessary.
Alternative: If you do need to regulate temperature, especially in very cold areas, a cheap option is to buy a heat lamp. Just ensure that the wiring is out of reach of your hamster.
Food and Water
I just want to remind you that hamsters need heat during winter, but there’s no need to worry too much. Simply provide sufficient food and water as usual, and avoid giving them hot water.
Cleanliness
Bacteria can easily thrive in winter. Although hamsters don’t urinate in their nests, their droppings often mix with bedding, and they tend to hoard perishable food in their nests. Regular cleaning can help keep their living space dry and hygienic.
Adequate Exercise
Providing a running wheel or a running disk allows for adequate exercise, which can help maintain their body temperature.
Other Tips
- Place the hamster cage away from windows or areas where drafts can reach, to prevent temperature drops.
- You can use an old blanket to cover part of the cage to enhance warmth.