Why Do Hamsters Move Their Bedding?

Hamsters are full of fun when they live under optimal conditions. You can see them playing, messing with their toys, eating nuts, and playing with each other in the cage. Many pet hamster owners ask why hamsters move their bedding.

Is it a sign of discomfort? Do they not like their cage anymore? We have all the information you need to know if you wonder what might be the reason behind it.

Hamsters move their bedding to hide their food, increase comfort, and make little nests. They can be confusing due to their odd behaviors. We have covered all the scenarios in which hamsters may move their bedding.

Table of Contents

Hamster Bedding Types

Before we look into the scenarios where hamsters are likelier to move their bedding around, let’s quickly review the different hamster bedding types most pet owners choose.

Aspen Bedding

The most common hamster bedding is made from aspen shavings. It is a perfect alternative for other types of wood shavings. Hamsters and other pets can be picky about their bedding.

They do not like scented and hard forms of wood. If you use pine or cedar shavings for your hamster’s bedding, they can harm your dwarf hamster after splintering off.

Moreover, the aromatic oils present in some wood shavings can lead to breathing problems in hamsters. Dwarf hamsters require special care, and using the correct type of wood shavings is essential.

Aspen shavings are safer, aroma-free, and easy to customize. You can add soft bedding materials for your hamster to make nests. You may also find processed aspen shavings to keep your pet comfortable in its cage.

Paper Bedding

Another suitable bedding option for hamsters is shredded paper. Many pet hamster owners use shredded paper to make their hamster’s bedding.

While opting for shredded paper, you may want to be careful with the type of paper used. Inked paper can lead to many problems. Inks can be toxic for breathing.

It is crucial to avoid using inked and printed papers. A suitable alternative is a paper towel or plain form. Paper towels are relatively soft.

When shredded for bedding, they can keep your pet hamsters entertained. Moreover, they can last longer than plain papers that can catch a smell over the weeks.

If shredding seems difficult, you can find customized paper towel hamster beddings online. These beddings are soft, easy to move, and highly water-absorbent.

Timothy Hay Bedding

Timothy hay is an optimal bedding type for pet hamsters. Its softness makes it ideal for dwarf hamsters to play with. Timothy hay is popular among horses and cattle for its nutritious value.

Hamsters are not far behind in the race. They also like to feed on the Timothy hay while enjoying their soft bedding. It is less absorbent and more comfortable for pets.

Timothy hay grains have protein, high energy, and other vital nutrients that can benefit your hamster’s health. Hamsters also like to burrow into their Timothy hay bedding.

If you want to get it for your dwarf hamster, you can find it as a bale. Local farmers may sell it cheaper than online pet bedding stores.

Why Hamsters Move Beddings Inside the Cage?

Hamsters are adorable little creatures. However, they can give you a slightly tough time in their early days. You can compare hamsters to introverts who take their time to get comfortable.

Hamsters are full of fun, but they have limited space and things to play with. Especially when living alone, hamsters can get lonely and find ways to distract themselves.

Moving their bedding is one such activity that keeps them engaged. While this is true, it is not the only reason why hamsters move their bedding.

Their bedding is not less than a nest for them. Therefore, hamsters are conscious of their bedding type, position, and temperature while living inside the cage.

Here are the possible reasons why hamsters move their bedding.

Temperature Problems

One of the common reasons for moving hamster bedding is cage temperature. Hamsters can feel hot and cold due to changing external temperatures.

The change in weather can force hamsters to move their bedding into a different corner of the cage where they feel warmer. In summer, hamsters may move their bedding to a windy spot.

If you notice your hamster moving its bedding, you may want to monitor its behavior closely. If the relocation helps them rest comfortably, you may have nothing to worry about.

Light Problems

Another common reason for moving hamster bedding is light exposure. In some cases, hamster cages can directly receive sunlight for most of the day.

Hamsters can get irritated with too much light. They can move around their bedding to find an optimally lit corner inside the cage.

When setting up hamster cages, you may monitor their behavior at different times of the day to see if they are comfortable with the light exposure.

In rare cases, hamsters may frequently move their bedding to find a suitable spot. You may place the cage differently and monitor the behavior if you notice frequent movements.

Also read: Can Hamsters Get Hurt from Falling?

Cage Problems

Hamsters can be annoyed with poor cage conditions. Despite the designated arrangement for hamsters to eat and litter inside the cage, they can move their bedding due to a disruption.

More often, hamsters move their bedding away from their litter spots. Since they like to hide food in their bedding, they do not want to stay close to undesirable areas.

Another reason for frequent bedding movements is the messy condition of the cage. Hamster cages require regular cleaning to ensure a healthy and comfortable environment.

When pet hamster owners leave the cage uncleaned for several days, hamsters are likelier to show irritating behavior. Moreover, dirty hamster cages can make hamsters and their bedding dirty.

Should You Worry About Bedding Movements?

Hamsters can show tons of behavioral signs to express their comfort or discomfort. Moving their bedding is one such sign that may highlight different factors.

If your hamster moves the bedding to a specific corner of the cage, it may be the most desirable spot. You can compare the conditions of that spot with the previous one to analyze the change.

Identifying the cause of bedding movements is crucial for you. Sometimes, hamsters get sick due to bacterial interactions, viral attacks, and other health problems.

It is vital to rule out health complications first. However, if your hamster moves the bedding to a specific spot and finds comfort, you may have nothing to worry about.

In such cases, you may rearrange the cage setting and place the bedding in your hamster’s desired spot. Once done, you can monitor for a day or two to see if your hamster rests comfortably.

If the problem persists, you may seek help from your pet’s vet to check if the hamster is developing disease symptoms.

Moving Hamster’s Bedding Back

Many pet hamster owners ask if they can move the bedding back to its original spot. While cleaning the cage may ease the, moving the hamster bedding may not be a good idea.

Hamsters move their bedding due to discomfort. They do not like the original bedding spot you choose for them. It is best to leave the new arrangement as it is to avoid irritating your hamster.

In some cases, hamsters move their bedding such that it gets in the way of their movement inside the cage. If you notice a similar cage situation, you may rearrange the bedding to a nearby spot and see if your hamster sticks to it.

Click to know: Can Hamsters Eat Sugar Snap Peas? [13 Reasons]

Adding More Bedding to Cage

Hamsters are natural burrowers. They require at least a six-inch bedding to live comfortably inside the cage. If the bedding is insufficient, your hamster may move it frequently across the cage.

If none of the solutions work, you may try adding more bedding to the hamster cage to burrow. Added bedding can improve their behavior by providing them with more to play with.

Choosing a smaller cage for your hamster may also lead to bedding movement problems. Although they are small, hamsters are conscious of their comfort.

When given proper conditions to live and grow, hamsters stick to the original setting as long as it remains favorable.

When getting a pet hamster for the first time, you may want to consult a vet or pet expert to choose the appropriate bedding and cage.

You may also check online resources and videos to find valuable tips for looking after your hamster, including setting up beds, cleaning cages, and feeding hamsters.

The Takeaway

The above information can help you analyze why hamsters move their bedding inside the cage. If you plan to buy dwarf hamsters, you may understand the scenarios explained above before getting a hamster for your home.

You can choose from the different hamster types in the pet market after learning the pros and cons of each. You may also take your hamster to the vet for a thorough diagnosis before bringing it to your home. Pet hamsters can catch diseases that may transfer to humans. It is vital to check the health status of your hamster before setting up its cage.