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Nesting material for Hamsters & Dwarf Hamsters – safe, soft and natural
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
Hamster nesting material for hamsters and dwarf hamsters
Hamsters and dwarf hamsters are true nest builders . In the wild, they line their sleeping areas with soft materials so they can rest warm, safe, and out of sight. With good nesting materials, you give your hamster the freedom to build its own nest – exactly as it should be.
At DRD Rodent Shop® , you'll find nesting materials that complement natural behavior and provide practical care. We select nesting materials based on safety, structure, and ease of use. Specialists since 2011.
Selection guide: which nesting material suits your hamster?
Your hamster will ultimately decide for itself what it likes best, but with these rules of thumb you can make the right choice more quickly:
- Dwarf hamsters often prefer light and airy nesting material (paper, soft fibres) and use it to create a compact bedroom.
- Syrian hamsters (golden hamsters) usually need more volume: a generous portion of soft material + possibly a slightly firmer structure for the outer layer.
- Active builders often do well with a combination: soft inside (paper/cotton) + structure outside (e.g. hemp/grass).
- Hamsterscaping : work with zones. A deep digging zone (bedding), a quiet sleeping zone (house + nesting material), and a "route" with tunnels/hiding places. See also Hamsterscaping .
Tip: A good home makes nesting material even more valuable. Also check out our hamster homes .
Types of nesting material in brief (and what they are good for)
- Paper (flakes/shavings/crinkle) – soft, easy to shape and ideal as a base for the sleeping nest.
- (Animal-safe) cotton nesting material – extra soft for the inside of the nest. Note: Do not use household cotton; choose material intended for animals.
- Hemp nesting material – somewhat firmer, breathable and fine for structure or as an "outer layer" around the nest.
- Kapok – very soft and popular with many hamsters as a “blanket” in the nest (offer it sparingly and combine with paper for volume).
- Grass nests/igloos – a combination of shelter and nesting feeling; great as an extra resting spot in the enclosure.
- Dried moss – especially popular in natural themes and hamster scaping. See also moss .
Want to use hay as an outer layer? You can. We have a comprehensive overview of hay in our Hamster Hay, Herbs & Seeds section .
How much nesting material does a hamster need?
A practical guideline to start with is 15–25 grams of nesting material in the enclosure. After that, top up as needed . Some hamsters move a lot and "process" it quickly, while others use the same base material for weeks and move around more frequently.
- Dwarf hamster: a generous handful of soft material + refill weekly if necessary.
- Golden hamster: 1–2 handfuls of soft material + refill weekly if necessary (more volume is often welcome).
How to offer nesting material smartly (without hassle)
- Set up a base in or near the sleeping cabin (or in a quiet corner of the digging area).
- Give a choice : offer two textures (e.g. paper + a bit of hemp/kapok) and see which your hamster prefers.
- Let your hamster build : nest building is a behavioral trait. Spread some of it throughout the enclosure so it can drag it along and "arrange" it.
- Connect to zones : combine with a diggable hamster bedding and safe hiding places.
Maintenance & hygiene: what works best?
- Spot cleaning is the basis: remove soiled areas (e.g. damp litter or corners where urine has been collected).
- Don't replace everything in the bedroom at once : leave a small, clean section so it remains "familiar."
- You can keep wooden houses fresh with an enzyme cleaner, such as products under urine spray (useful for stains and odors).
- Check weekly: is the nest dry, airy, and clean? If so, refilling it is often sufficient.
Safety choices for nesting materials
- Preferably choose nesting material that is intended for hamsters (soft, easy to shape and suitable for nest-building behaviour).
- We avoid synthetic hamster/household cotton wool , as fibres can be inconvenient if not suitable for animals.
- It is best to avoid using scented materials, heavily printed tissues, or craft materials containing glue or ink.
- Always check for loose wires, sharp edges, or parts that don't fit when gnawing/searching.
Frequently asked questions about hamster nesting material
What is the difference between nesting material and ground cover?
Nesting material is for the bedroom: soft, malleable, and designed to build a nest. Bedding forms the foundation of the enclosure: for digging, absorption, and a hygienic substrate. Together, they provide the most natural result. See also hamster bedding .
Is hay suitable as nesting material?
Yes, especially as an outer layer or extra insulation. Many hamsters use hay to create a "roof" or wall around their nest. You can find hay at Hamster Hay, Herbs & Seeds .
Which nesting material is the most popular?
In practice, many hamsters prefer paper as a base (easy to shape) and something extra soft for the inside of the nest. A combination often works best.
Should I provide different nesting material in summer than in winter?
Your hamster will largely manage this on its own. It's wise to occasionally offer two textures (e.g., paper + a bit of kapok/hemp), so your hamster can choose what feels comfortable at that moment.
How often should I replace nesting material?
Replace any dirty or damp parts and refill with clean material. A complete "nest reset" is usually unnecessary and can cause disruption.
Order nesting materials easily from DRD Rodent Shop ® – with a focus on well-being, safety, and practical design. Specialists since 2011.
