Amaranth Mix Harvest Pack (Red, Orange & Green)

Rodent Grocer Amaranth Mix Harvest Package

With this Amaranth Mix Harvest Pack, you'll get three beautiful amaranth colors in one go: red, orange, and green. Use the "harvest" as a natural decoration and enrichment in your habitat: poke the stems into the substrate to create layers, depth, and a veritable mini-forest. Amaranth is a little different from many other harvested varieties: it often lasts longer with small rodents, so you can enjoy it several times a year.

We have harvested the stems to size and cleaned them of leaves, so you can use them immediately in your scape.

Plus points

✔ Three colours in one package for instant variety and more scaping depth
✔ Fun to poke into the ground cover: stems look like small trees
✔ Amaranth often lasts longer in many small rodents, so you can use it for longer
✔ Fits perfectly with natural decor and foraging fun

Why this Amaranth Mix Harvest Package works so well in a scape

Hamster and gerbil scaping are all about zones, routes, and hiding places, but also about ambiance: an enclosure that resembles a small landscape. Amaranth makes this easy. By partially inserting the stems into the ground cover, you create a difference in height without creating a cluttered or untidy look. The three colors can be spread out (as if it were a forest edge) or grouped together (as a "bush zone"). Especially if you place them scattered in the back and center, you create a natural "forest effect" where your animals can forage.

Amaranth is also a great choice if you'd like to enjoy your harvest in your enclosure for a longer period. Many small rodents tend to leave amaranth alone more than certain other harvested species. Of course, this varies from animal to animal: some rodents actually enjoy nibbling on it or destroying it. And that's okay: it becomes an added enrichment rather than a decorative element.

How to use amaranth in ground cover

• Choose a spot where you want your “bushes”: often the back or the middle works best.
• Prick the stem(s) 3–8 cm deep into the ground cover so that they are stable.
• Preferably use a ground covering that grips well (cotton is often very suitable for this).
• Plant several stems with small spaces between them for a natural forest effect.
• Combine with tunnels, houses or a walking route alongside it, so your animal can move between them.
• If it gets wet or dirty, remove the piece and replace it to keep the enclosure fresh.

Use by animal species

Mouse

Mice love trails and cover. Plant amaranth in small clumps to create "bushes" they can run through. Expect mice to occasionally dislodge tufts for nesting; that's part of the process.

Dwarf hamster

Dwarf hamsters appreciate shelter and foraging areas. Place amaranth partially behind a house or along a sandy bathing area for added depth. Many dwarf hamsters tend to leave the stems untouched, but nibbling is also an option.

Hamster

Golden hamsters love to create paths and dens. Plant amaranth as a "border planting" along the path or at the back of the enclosure for a peaceful landscape. Firmly secure it to the ground cover so it doesn't fall over when digging.

Gerbil

Gerbils dig vigorously and love to rearrange their surroundings. Therefore, choose a stable placement: dig deeper into the substrate and place it in areas that aren't subject to the greatest digging pressure. If they gnaw on it or dig it out, it immediately becomes an additional enrichment.

Dwarf rat

Pygmy rats are curious and may enjoy nibbling on stems or moving them. Use amaranth as a decoration in a corner or on a stable platform, and expect it to be "moved" occasionally.

Compound

Composition: Amaranth (red), Amaranth (orange), Amaranth (green).

Good to know

• This is a natural product: colour, shape and structure may vary per bunch.
• Stems can be brittle. This is normal with dried harvest.
• Use preferably in dry areas; replace when wet or soiled.
• Check regularly for sharp, hard bits that have formed due to breakage and remove them.

FAQ

Is amaranth harvest meant for eating or for decorating?
You use it primarily as natural decoration and enrichment. Nibbling and exploring are often part of it, but the goal is to create a beautiful, natural landscape in the enclosure.

How long will it remain in the enclosure?
This varies by animal and by facility. For many small rodents, amaranth often remains undamaged longer than some other crop species, as long as it remains dry and isn't subjected to intensive demolition.

What's the best way to get that "forest look"?
Place several stems scattered in the center and back, with small spaces between them. By mixing different colors, you immediately create more depth and variety.

Can I reuse it after a change?
Often, yes, as long as it stays clean and dry. Does it smell different, become damp, or look messy or broken? Then replacing it is the best option.

Which ground cover will it keep best?
In ground cover that takes hold well. Cotton ground cover is often very suitable for this, but other sturdy ground covers can also work well if you dig deep enough.

Useful shopping links

• View all Amarant products
• View all Harvest
• Shop Hamsterscaping inspiration
• More from Rodent Grocer
• Ground cover & nesting material
• Questions? Personal & expert advice