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Ria P · 07-19-2019, 08:23 AM

This question has probably been asked before but i'm still not sure what substrate to use for my Syrian hamster who doesn't burrow. He only burrows when very annoyed while sitting waiting in a plastic box when i clean his cage (as quickly as possible!).

How do i know which substrate he likes?

I tried wood chips, a wood chips base layer with paper on top (p@h paper flakes), paper strips substrate from the small pet shop but they were a mistake because they rustled so i removed them while he was asleep and replaced the top layer with Carefresh.

There is Carefresh - Tiny Friends Farm Eco bedding - Kaytee.

What is the difference?

My hamster seems fine with any substrate and never had any adverse reaction like sneezing or itching. I put wood chips in his toilets and he takes them out of his en suite to use them to close his door before going to his nest to sleep so i think he likes the wood chips. People advise to use paper substrate only though and wood chips seem to be unpopular. I compromised by using half/half.
He likes plain toilet paper for his nest and gets plenty of that.

Wished he could talk and let me know what he likes best.......

07-19-2019, 08:23 AM
Ria P House of Hamsters Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Wiltshire, UK Posts: 7,103	Substrate querie This question has probably been asked before but i'm still not sure what substrate to use for my Syrian hamster who doesn't burrow. He only burrows when very annoyed while sitting waiting in a plastic box when i clean his cage (as quickly as possible!). How do i know which substrate he likes? I tried wood chips, a wood chips base layer with paper on top (p@h paper flakes), paper strips substrate from the small pet shop but they were a mistake because they rustled so i removed them while he was asleep and replaced the top layer with Carefresh. There is Carefresh - Tiny Friends Farm Eco bedding - Kaytee. What is the difference? My hamster seems fine with any substrate and never had any adverse reaction like sneezing or itching. I put wood chips in his toilets and he takes them out of his en suite to use them to close his door before going to his nest to sleep so i think he likes the wood chips. People advise to use paper substrate only though and wood chips seem to be unpopular. I compromised by using half/half. He likes plain toilet paper for his nest and gets plenty of that. Wished he could talk and let me know what he likes best.......