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Old 03-29-2016, 01:48 AM   #1
Basil_18
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: india
Posts: 74
Question bedding quantity?

hi, i live in india and you dont get great bedding selections here so my brother is coming from the U.S and i would like him to get some carefresh for me and some other hammy supplies. i dont want him to have trouble bringing the stuff so i wanted to know how much of floor space will a 6L and a 12.5L bag of carefresh will cover, i have a 360sq inch floor space cage , and how many cage cleanings will it last me?
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Old 03-29-2016, 01:58 AM   #2
Pebbles82
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Default Re: bedding quantity?

I think Carefresh can work out quite expensive. Also Kaytee Clean n Cozy and Oxbow paper bedding are supposed to be a bit less dusty, but Carefresh is very popular too.

The best way to manage substrate really, is to put it in as deep as you can and then spot clean and use a potty litter tray, and not do big cage cleans too often. By having the substrate deep it allows your hamster to dig tunnels possibly, cushions falls and you actually save on substrate as usually only the top part or odd spots, gets soiled and you can reuse the bottom part. It's also better for the hamster not to change all the substrate at once so their habitat and floorspace still smells familiar to them.

Erin's hamsters has a very good video on cage cleaning tips and how to avoid causing stress to the hamster during cage cleans. I've added the link below.

Aspen can be a good substrate for hamsters and bought in bulk quite cheaply - if you can find that where you are. Reptile shops and stores usually sell it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jVnEjrXbww

I think the US minimum recommended cage size has changed from 360 square inches to 450 square inches - not 100% sure on that though. In the Uk we go with cage dimensions and the RSPCA recommend a minimum of 80cm by 50cm floor space in a cage. So that's the kind of size floorspace to aim for Most pet shops cages are far too small and it's also not possible to fit a Syrian sized hamster wheel in them. An 11" wheel is a good size for a Syrian hamster. The wheel needs to be big enough that they can run with their back in a straight line. If the wheel is too small they can get back pain and spinal problems and can start unusual behaviours to try and tell you there is a problem with the wheel (like bar chewing or not using the wheel). Most cages are sold with a small wheel of about 6" or less, which is only big enough for dwarf hamsters.

If it's difficult to find larger cages, a cheap option can be to make a bin cage. Something like this Samla bin from Ikea. It's about the smallest you would want to go as although it is 78cm long that is maximum measurements and the base is narrower. You cut panels out of the front and top and fix mesh to them to ventilate them.

SAMLA Box - IKEA

Last edited by Pebbles82; 03-29-2016 at 02:03 AM.
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Old 03-29-2016, 02:14 AM   #3
Basil_18
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: india
Posts: 74
Default Re: bedding quantity?

thank you for your advice serendipity7000! im getting alot of stuff from the U.S. and im really excited. here in india you dont get wheels bigger than an 8 inch so thats what i have now but im telling my brother to get me a 12 inch but im not worried as my brother will be arriving soon and my hamster is just 8 weeks so he isnt big at all so the wheel for now until my brother arrives should do. as for the substrate i just wanted to know how much floor space will a 6L bag of bedding cover?
summer holidays start in april and go on till june in india so i am going to start working on my bin cage very soon. can you also recommend me some good food brands for my hammy? thank you once again.
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Old 03-29-2016, 02:53 AM   #4
Pebbles82
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Default Re: bedding quantity?

I would get two 6L bags in case one doesn't fully cover - I'm not sure really myself, as I buy bulk bedding An 8" wheel is fine for now. If your brother gets a 12" one from the US, this one is good, don't get the Silent Spinner - they are huge and since a manufacturing change, don't spin that well. Either a 27cm wodent wheel is good, or my favourite is the new Silent Runner which has a very sturdy stand and is - silent!

Silent Runner 12 inch - Silent Runner Wheel 12 inch
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Old 03-29-2016, 03:14 AM   #5
Basil_18
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: india
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Default Re: bedding quantity?

Ok, thx once again
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Old 03-29-2016, 03:19 AM   #6
Basil_18
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: india
Posts: 74
Default Re: bedding quantity?

Also one more thing , the only wheels my brother could get a hand on is the silent spinner and the comfort wheel , which one should I get ?
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