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Basic hamster setup (golden hamster) – complete start with terrarium, digging layer, houses & shopping list
Basic Hamster Setup (Syrian hamster / golden hamster)
When we say "hamster" on this inspiration page, we mean the Syrian hamster (golden hamster) . This species is larger than a dwarf hamster—and that affects the size of houses, tunnels, and especially the exercise wheel. DRD Rodent Shop® has been a specialist since 2011 : we help you choose based on well-being, safety, and practical feasibility.
Looking for basic dwarf hamster care? Check out Basic Dwarf Hamster Care . You can also read more about the species itself: Syrian Hamster (Golden Hamster) – Care .
Important: A golden hamster prefers to live alone. Therefore, use one enclosure per hamster. More information can be found here: Keeping golden hamsters together? No.
Start with a spacious, well-ventilated enclosure and design it with logical "zones" (sleeping, digging, sand bath, eating). See also: Hamster cages .
A golden hamster wants to build tunnels and its own nesting chamber. With enough depth, your setup will be immediately "hamster-proof." Selection guide: substrate .
Combine a wheel, sand bath, and foraging to keep your hamster active in a natural way. Inspiration: Hamsterscaping for beginners .
1) Accommodation & dimensions
A spacious terrarium with a high edge works very well for a Syrian hamster: it allows for a thick layer of digging and allows you to approach your hamster from the front. As a guideline, we recommend a minimum floor space of 100 x 50 cm —more is always better. View our selection here: Hamster Cages (and further explanation in the hamster cage selection guide ).
2) Ground cover & excavation layer
The foundation of your setup is the digging layer. A golden hamster prefers to live underground: tunnels, a pantry, and a nesting chamber. Therefore, choose a substrate that is dust-reducing , absorbent, and helps the tunnels "stand." In this basic setup, we useCotton N Cotton , among other materials.
Guideline for depth: 25–30 cm (more is always allowed). Below you'll find a handy overview of layer heights:
Want to see more options? Hamster bedding + selection guide: which bedding is right for your hamster?
3) Shelters & sleeping houses
A golden hamster is a prey animal. Shelter isn't a "perk," but a basic need. Work with at least one spacious sleeping house (preferably multi-room) + one to two additional hiding places (tunnel/cork/house).
- ✔ Large (multi-)room house = sleeping + separating supplies
- ✔ Extra hiding place on top of the excavation layer = safe "stopover"
Custom shopping for golden hamsters: Syrian hamster houses .
4) Nesting material
Hamsters are excellent nest builders. Always provide nesting material that your hamster can drag, stuff, and line. The shopping list includes Kapok . All options: Hamster nesting material .
5) Running wheel (size & placement)
An exercise wheel is a daily part of the routine for many hamsters. Always choose a wheel that's suitable for the hamster's larger build: spacious enough, stable, and comfortable to walk on. View our selection: Hamster exercise wheels and read our selection guide: Hamster exercise wheel: size & safety .
6) Sand bath
Many hamsters use a sand bath daily: for bathing, rolling around, and sometimes as a permanent "toilet area." This basic setup includes the JR Farm Bath-Box . View all options: Hamster sand & sand bath + selection guide: sand bath routine .
7) Food, foraging & snacks
A good foundation consists of a suitable staple food, supplemented with foraging (searching) to keep your hamster occupied. The shopping list includes: Bunny Nature HamsterDream Expert and, as a foraging/harvesting element, Harvest Linseed Plant (flax) .
Healthy rewards are a great idea—think small portions, carefully distributed throughout the enclosure. This basic recipe includes: Pumpkin seeds . Shop more: Hamster food and Hamster snacks .
8) Gnawing material
Gnawing materials are a must for any basic pet: they provide activity and support natural gnawing behavior. The shopping list includes: Beech Stick Mix . More options: Hamster Gnawing Material .
9) Drinking water
Always provide fresh drinking water. The shopping list includes the Classic Drinking Bottle . If you're using a glass terrarium, a sturdy mount, such as a magnetic/chew-proof holder, is especially helpful.
10) Maintenance & cleaning (practical)
Hamsters are attached to their own scent. That's why cleaning "all at once" is usually less pleasant than careful maintenance.
- ✔ Daily: remove wet spots (spot clean), change the water.
- ✔ Weekly: strain/refresh the sand bath (where necessary), check the toilet area.
- ✔ Periodically: partially refresh (e.g. 1/3) and replace some of the “old” material.
Extensive explanation: Cleaning a hamster cage .
Checklist basic setup for golden hamster
- ✔ Spacious enclosure (preferably a terrarium) – guideline min. 100 × 50 cm
- ✔ Deep excavation layer (± 25–30 cm)
- ✔ Large sleeping house (preferably multi-room) + extra hiding places/tunnel
- ✔ Nesting material
- ✔ Customised running wheel
- ✔ Sand bath + suitable sand
- ✔ Staple food + foraging items
- ✔ Gnawing material
- ✔ Drinking bottle/water solution
Safety in brief
- ✔ One golden hamster per enclosure (solitary).
- ✔ Place heavy items stably (on the bottom rather than “high”).
- ✔ Choose an exercise wheel that suits your hamster (size and walking comfort).
- ✔ Use sand that is suitable for sand baths and remains pleasant for the respiratory tract.
- ✔ Keep the enclosure well ventilated (especially with deep bedding).
FAQ – frequently asked questions
How big should an enclosure be for a golden hamster?
As a practical guideline, we recommend a minimum of 100 x 50 cm, with larger sizes being better. See: Hamster cages .
How deep should the ground cover be?
Guideline: 25–30 cm, so your hamster can really dig and make tunnels. More tips: Bedding selection guide .
Should a sand bath always be available?
Many hamsters use it daily. See here: Sand & sand bath .
Can I keep two golden hamsters together?
No. A golden hamster prefers to live alone. Read: Keeping golden hamsters together? No.
I want extra inspiration for a natural design, where do I start?
Check out: Hamsterscaping for Beginners and our Play & Foraging category.
Shop the complete basic furnishings
At the bottom of this page, you'll find all the products in this basic setup clearly listed, so you can get started right away. Want to discuss sizing, layout, or products? We're happy to help via our service page: contact & customer service .
Why order from DRD?
✔ Specialist since 2011
✔ Range selected for well-being & safety
✔ Fast delivery and expert help when you need it
