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Hamsterscaping: natural design for hamsters (golden hamster & dwarf hamster)
Discover the Perfect Willow Bridge for Rodents and Rabbits! Add a touch of natural beauty to your rodents' and rabbits' habitat with our high-quality willow bridge. Made from 100% natural, untreated willow wood, our willow bridge offers a flexible and saf
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Cork tunnels natural and unique. Each cork tunnel has its own shape and that makes them so nice to use for hamster scapes, for example. The cork tunnel stimulates natural behavior in small rodents, because it has a tunnel shape. Small rodents such as mice
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Cork tunnels natural and unique. Each cork tunnel has its own shape and that makes them so nice to use for hamster scapes, for example. The cork tunnel stimulates natural behavior in small rodents, because it has a tunnel shape. Small rodents such as Mice
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Cork tunnels natural and unique. Each cork tunnel has its own shape and that makes them so nice to use for hamster scapes, for example. The cork tunnel stimulates natural behavior in small rodents, because it has a tunnel shape. Small rodents such as Mice
Read more- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
The JR Farm Spring Roll brings spring to your rodents and rabbits! This delicious spring roll is a great hiding place and gnawing object for your hamsters, rodents and rabbits. Made of natural materials, covered with mountain meadow hay, flowers and herbs
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The Hollow Tree Trunk is a nice wooden tree trunk that is hollow on the inside. Made from untreated German natural wood. Wonderful to play with, walk through and of course nibble on. Thanks to this fun activity toy you can keep your rodent active and heal
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Discover the enchanting JR Farm Hay House with Blossom Roof - the ultimate gnawing paradise for your beloved rodents and rabbits! Treat your furry friends to an irresistible experience with the JR Farm Hay House with Blossom Roof. This unique hay house is
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The Bad-Box Sandbox from JR Farm comes with special chinchilla sand (350 grams) for small rodents. The sandbox is ideal for the daily sand bathing of small rodents such as mice, hamsters and gerbils. The included sand contributes to a healthy coat and a n
Read more- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
The Mr. Crumble Parsley Igloo is an edible house in the shape of an Igloo. The house is made entirely of parsley and has an open bottom. Small rodents love hiding places and will gladly use the house to hide in. We often see that small rodents want to nib
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A Cozy Home for your Mice, Hamsters and Gerbils: Create a Natural Refuge That Warms Their Hearts! Imagine a safe haven where your little furry friends feel safe and happy - welcome to the world of mice, hamsters and gerbils. These creatures have a special
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The JR Farm Mountain Meadow Hay House with Root Roof is covered with wonderfully aromatic mountain meadow hay and carrot from our own cultivation and contains a high content of crude fiber, which not only benefits digestion but also natural tooth wear. Th
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This nice Wooden Multi-room House gives small rodents such as mice and dwarf hamsters the opportunity to hide quickly and comfortably. The two rooms provide a feeling of security and approach the natural instinct of the animals. After all, they also have
Read more- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
This nice Wooden Corner Multi-room House gives small rodents such as mice and dwarf hamsters the opportunity to hide quickly and cozy. The two rooms provide a feeling of security and approach the natural instinct of the animals. After all, they also have
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The Trixie Rock Bowl can be used as a feeding bowl for rodents. The outer edge has a stepped shape, so that even the smallest rodents can easily reach it. The Rock Bowl is made of animal-friendly and food-friendly polystyrene (synthetic resin). The Ros Bo
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This Corner Wall made of Willow is ideal for holding back ground cover or hay. For small rodents, this is ideal for hamster scaping, where you can safely limit and raise part of the ground cover to a desired height. For larger rodents and rabbits, this me
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The Rodipet EasyClean advance TERRA Ceramic Tube is made of high-quality and durable ceramic and can be used as a coupling system to create a beautiful underground castle for your rodent. The tube can be connected to the other Rodipet EasyClean Ceramics p
Read more- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
More and more rodent habitats are getting a completely natural look. Trixie Cave sand is ideal for a natural rodent habitat. The sand is ideally suited for burrowing reptiles and other terrarium inhabitants. The sand has a high quality...
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Peat is specially prepared for small rodents. Peat for rodents is very natural and ideal as bedding or for a diggable environment such as a digging pit or natural landscaping (bioactive). All burrowing rodents, such as hamsters, mice, rats, etc., have a n
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For the adventurous owners of small rodents such as mice, dwarf hamsters, hamsters and gerbils, there is now an exciting way to enrich their living environment and transform their daily experience: Desert Sand Red. This beautiful sand not only adds an aes
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Coconut Fiber Humus is a blend of coconut fiber and humus. This natural ground cover is suitable for small rodents and promotes their natural digging behavior. The ground cover can expand up to 7 to 8 times its original size, has a pH between 5.0 and 6.0,
Read more- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
Special organic peat/sand mixture for rodents. The humus satisfies the animals' natural digging needs. No added fertilizers. Perfect for a natural German-style habitat or for hamster scavenging.
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Use the platform as an extra floor or create a cozy corner for your rodent(s). The platform is a fun challenge in the enclosure that your rodents will really appreciate. Place a food bowl on the platform and a ladder against it...
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Handy wooden platforms from Trixie. Made of untreated natural wood with bark. The wooden platforms are an ideal addition to the rodent enclosure, but they also provide lots of playing and climbing fun in the run. The platforms are adjustable...
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A handy plateau shaped in a corner. Ideal to place in a corner of the accommodation. In this way, the plateau creates extra play and climbing space for your rodent. The plateau is made of untreated natural wood.
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Hamsterscaping: natural design for your hamster (hamster cage & terrarium)
Hamsterscaping is the natural and clever way to furnish a hamster cage or terrarium as a mini-landscape: with a deep digging layer, safe hiding places, a sand bath, and foraging areas. It not only looks great, but above all, it makes the habitat natural for your hamster: digging, hiding, gathering, and foraging as it naturally does.
At DRD Rodent Shop®, we help you choose the right rodent products that work in practice. From tunnel-resistant bedding to the right sizes for houses and exercise wheels . Specialists since 2011 – with a focus on well-being, safety, and a habitat that's easy to maintain.
Getting started with hamster scaping: here's how to do it smartly
The most beautiful hamster habitat doesn't start with "more decor," but with a solid foundation. First, choose a suitable enclosure , then build the digging layer , and finally create zones with houses , tunnels , a sand bath , and foraging areas.
Whether you want a tranquil "desert look" or a more "forest" scape with moss and cork, the basics remain the same. If the foundation is right, your hamster will naturally do more: dig, drag, hoard, and run trails.
Also view our range of Hamsterscaping Moss .
Think in zones: this is how your hamster cage becomes logical
A hamster feels most comfortable in an enclosure that's "full" and organized. You can achieve this by creating zones:
- Resting zone (nest/sleeping): main house + nesting material, preferably sheltered.
- Digging zone : the deepest part of the ground cover, this is where tunnels and storage areas are created.
- Sand bath zone : a permanent place for bathing (and often also as a toilet area).
- Foraging zone : scatter feeding, snack areas, search and play materials.
Tip: Create routes between areas with natural tunnels and shelters. This creates peace and quiet, as your hamster will find shelter to move around.
Excavation layer & ground cover: the difference between "nice" and "working"
Hamster scaping depends entirely on the digging layer. Many hamsters love to dig, but they'll stop if the tunnels collapse immediately. Therefore, it's best to choose substrate that is tunnel-resistant and comfortable to the touch. See: Hamster substrate .
How deep?
A common guideline for hamster scaping is a 20–30 cm digging layer (deeper is fine if your enclosure allows it). More important than the number: can your hamster create tunnels that stay put without you having to "push" everything down?
Construction in 4 steps
- Base layer : Fill the enclosure with a comfortable main bedding.
- Texture : Add a second texture (where needed) for grip and strength.
- Zone depth : make one corner really deep (digging zone) and keep the resting zone a little more stable/compact.
- Nesting material : Always add enough nesting material so your hamster can build a warm nest.
Extra fun (and functional): mix or layer ground coverings. This creates variety in texture and allows you to visualize zones. For inspiration, you can also look at tags like wood fiber and paper .
Houses & shelters: why multiple places work better
Hamsters don't like open spaces. They're most relaxed when they have a choice of multiple hiding places. Consider a main house (e.g., a multi-room house) plus additional hiding routes and "stopovers." See: Hamster Houses .
- Multi-room houses : popular because hamsters often create a “bedroom” and “pantry.”
- Ceramics/terracotta : nice as a cool shelter (also in warmer periods).
- Cork/tree trunk : ideal as a route and shelter at the same time.
When choosing a cage, consider the size (especially for golden hamsters). More space is almost always acceptable – the cage should remain practical: hamsters can enter, turn, build a nest, and store supplies.
Tunnels, routes & natural materials: an atmosphere that really makes a difference
In hamster scaping, natural materials aren't just "decorative." They help you build routes, define zones, and safely fill the enclosure. Useful starting points: cork tunnels , tree trunk tunnels , vines , and moss .
Tip: Use "under and around" techniques. So: a tunnel under a canopy, a route along a cork piece, and a hiding place behind a house. This way, your hamster can move around without feeling "out in the open."
Sand bath: permanent scape zone for coat care
A sand bath is a permanent feature in many hamster scaping setups. Ideally, create a single, well-defined area (this also helps with your maintenance routine). See: Hamster sand & sand baths .
Practical: You can sift the sand occasionally (depending on use). A sieve is useful for removing small debris.
An exercise wheel in a hamster scape: size and stability
An exercise wheel is an important part of many hamsters' daily routines. In hamster scaping, placement is especially important: a deep digging layer can sink, so ensure a stable base. See: Hamster exercise wheels .
- Dwarf hamster : a minimum of 20 cm is often recommended.
- Golden hamster (Syrian hamster) : often at least 28 cm for comfortable running.
Many people find a wooden wheel attractive in a natural setting. It looks great and can be pleasant to the touch. See also: wooden exercise wheels .
Foraging: The simplest upgrade with the biggest effect
Want your hamster to be "more hamster"? Let them forage. Instead of putting everything in one bowl, you can scatter (some of) the food in the digging layer, under a bridge, or among natural features. This encourages foraging and instantly makes your scape more interesting. See: Play & Foraging .
Handy additions to your scape: gnawing material (natural nibbling) and herbs & seeds (tasty to sprinkle).
(Fresh) plants in hamster scaping: atmosphere and distraction
Fresh plants instantly give a scape a natural look. Use them as decor, as greenery for nibbling, or as a sniffing corner. Ideally, choose plants intended for small animals and place them securely to prevent too much soil from seeping into the enclosure. See: Fresh hamster plants .
Maintenance & spot cleaning: how to keep your hamster scape fresh
The great thing about hamster scaping is that you usually don't have to replace "everything" all the time. You work in zones and do primarily spot cleaning : cleaning locally where necessary.
Hamster Scaping Safety: You Really Want to Get This Right
A scape is only successful if it's safe. With a few simple choices, you can prevent risks and ensure your design remains stable in the long run.
Checklist: hamsterscaping basic set
Hamsterscaping manual
Want a practical step-by-step guide to get you started right away? Check out our manual – handy if you're building your first hamster enclosure or upgrading an existing one.
Click on the image to open the manual
Frequently Asked Questions about Hamster Scaping
What exactly is hamsterscaping?
Hamsterscaping is the natural design of a hamster cage or terrarium as a mini-landscape with zones: digging layer, hiding places, sand bath, and foraging areas.
What substrate is suitable for hamster scaping?
Choose substrate that supports digging and helps tunnels "stand." In practice, a combination of structure and volume often works best. See: hamster substrate .
How deep should the excavation layer be?
A commonly used guideline is 20–30 cm, but the most important thing is that the soil allows for tunnels and does not collapse immediately.
Which materials are suitable for a natural hamster scape?
Cork, tree trunk tunnels, grapevine, and hamster-safe moss are popular choices for routes, hiding places, and finishing touches. Start with: cork tunnels and grapevine .
How many hiding places does a hamster need?
A main house plus several hiding places usually works best. This way, your hamster can choose where to rest and how to move around. See: hamster houses .
Can hamster scaping also be done in a glass cage/terrarium?
Yes, that's right. In a glass enclosure, you can often easily add deep ground cover and create zones. See: hamster cages & terrariums .
What is spot cleaning?
Spot cleaning is localized cleaning: removing wet spots, checking storage areas, maintaining the sand bath/walking wheel, and replacing only what is absolutely necessary.
