As a small rodent owner/parent, it’s key to understand the natural burrowing instincts of hamsters and gerbils. Providing them with a safe and suitable substrate allows them to express this important behavior, promoting exercise, enrichment, and overall well-being. Here are some of our top picks for creating a burrowing layer in your hamster or gerbil enclosure:

Hay and Grass Beddings:

• Timothy Hay: Widely available, absorbent, and provides good burrowing opportunities. Opt for second or third cut hay, as it’s softer and easier for burrowing. However, some types may be higher in calcium than ideal for certain species.
• Oat Hay: Seems to be more tasty for them than timothy hay, and provides good burrowing texture- but again, monitor calcium intake as it’s higher in oat hay than timothy hay.

Wood-Based Beddings:

• Aspen Shavings: Soft, absorbent, and good for burrowing, but can be dusty. Ensure the shavings are untreated and avoid using cedar shavings, which can be harmful to small rodents.
• Hemp Bedding: Absorbent, dust-free, and provides good burrowing texture. Though it can be more expensive than other options.

Other Burrowing Materials:

• Soft Hay-Based Pellets: Expands when wet, creating a burrowable tunnel structure. However, they may not be suitable for all species and can be dusty.
• Shredded cardboard: Free and readily available, but may not hold tunnels well and can be dusty. Ensure cardboard is from untreated sources, otherwise it can be toxic.

Important Note:

• Always choose burrowing materials appropriate for your specific rodent species. Different species have varying sensitivities and may require specific textures or materials.
• Combine different materials to offer variety and encourage natural burrowing behavior.
• The burrowing layer should be at least 6 inches deep to allow for proper tunnel construction.
• Monitor your pet’s burrowing behavior and adjust the provided materials if needed.
• Avoid using materials that are dusty, moldy, or treated with chemicals.

Bonus Tip: Provide clean and accessible nesting materials like soft hay or shredded fabric (or even other pet fur) within the enclosure for your pet to create a cozy burrow within the deeper burrowing layer.

By offering a variety of safe and suitable burrowing materials, you can create a stimulating and enriching environment for your burrowing rodent friend.