what kind of soil?

I want to make a elaborate hamster cage for my hamsters and want to have a five gallon tank attached to the main cage, and I want to kit out the 5 gallon as a digging cage - so what kind of soil can I use that is safe for hamsters?

[SnuggleHam]

Not sure about the soils here in the US. I'm sure all garden soils are filled with chemicals that would be potentially hazardous to your hamsters health. You probably wouldn't want to take any from out doors because you may introduce pests that could also cause your hammy some harm. Perhaps someone else has some suggestions?

I haven't heard of people doing this much, Im not sure its a typical housing practice?

[babyboos]

you don't need soil as such although some peat would be nice but you ideally want to mix it with a whole host of hamster safe substrates such as shredded cardboard and brown paper, soft meadow dried grass/hay, dust and heat treated shavings, paper pelleted cat litter, carefresh and maybe some corncob or hemp bedding, whatever is available in your area. Pure peat will be too heavy and the tunnels created will potentially collapse too easily possibly harming your hamster. You also should be aware that hamsters are very clean animals and will spend a long time licking themselves after being in the "digging room" so you want to make sure it is not too dirty. They will not appreciate getting muddy and believe it or not a hamster would more than likely prefer a large sand bath to a peat box to dig in.

[souffle]

Personally I would not create a digging home for pet hamsters. I have heard of animals getting lung infections from things in the soil especially if it is left too long and gets dank and mouldy. Also if the substrate is not quite right cave ins can occur leading to crushing of suffocation. They also get rather dirty if the soil gets wet. Ours are very happy to dig and bathe in a shallow tray of chinchilla sand and burrow in a deep layer of litter as used for their bedding.

[Karinalara89]

My hamster loves digging in soil, but I’m still looking for the best soil for her. I caught her digging in a plant pot.

[carrie strutt]

My hamster loves digging in soil, but I’m still looking for the best soil for her. I caught her digging in a plant pot.

I heard that if you use an organic soil, this is ok to use.

[AmityvilleHams]

This is an old thread so posts might get deleted but actual soil is not safe for hamsters and should never be used no matter how many people try to call it safe. Even organic soil is still unsafe and shouldn't be used either.

The only safe option would be coconut fiber, but if used improperly(such as using too much, keeping it too wet, not having enough ventilation, etc) it could be a problem too - just nowhere near as dangerous as actual soil!