Hamster Wheel Issues - HELP ASAP! CAN'T SLEEP!

[Imogen]

To save making another forum, I'm also going to ask here.

What is that soil type substrate that people use for their hamsters? Is it just plain soil? I want to add a bit of variety to my hamsters substrate and have a corner section with that soil so it's a more natural like area for him as possible and to add some rocks. I wanted to double check though because I'm not sure if your regular soil (from like those gardening packs) are safe for hamsters or if it was a specific soil like substrate made for hamsters.

With the rocks, I've heard people boil them to sanitize them but I know that isn't always the best thing to do for rocks, so I may try and pick up some rocks from somewhere from like an arts and craft shop that kids usually paint. Or is it ok to boil rocks? Not sure why, but my heart is telling me that it remembers there's something about a big debate over whether or not that's safe.

I also want some plants that are safe for him, would you recommend plastic or real? I've seen some really well done enclosures with a lot of foraging plants for a naturalistic feel. And is it also correct of me to state whether or not I've seen people giving their hamsters cat grass or is it something that looks like cat grass?