Substrates I Use In My Hamster's Habitat 🐹

[@HoppingHammy]

Happy Easter! Since so many of you have asked, I finally put together a detailed video that lists all of the substrates that are in Kashi's hamster habitat. :) Please be aware that products do change over time, as do prices and availability. If you have any other questions that I didn't cover about the substrates, feel free to ask! Enjoy! 🐹

[@rorykitty7776]

HoppingHammy first

[@elsjedevisser7637]

Thank you..i can not sleep as usual haha...so i thought lets look at Amazon than...looking if they have bigger bags of substrate. And i couldnt believe my eyes..they are selling purple Kaytee clean and cozy...i think i have to break my promiss at myself and order that...one of these days before they dont sell it anymore..i am trying to get some sleep now and i hope i have a wonderful dream about things i can create with purple bedding😍😍😍😍😍xxx thanks for the tip

[@Juju-lg3jx]

How come the sand I use is a brown tint and not a white?? Is this bad??

[@Juju-lg3jx]

Thanks! That’s what I was thinking too. I know for a fact that I live in a very different area than you do so that might have something to do with it ! ☺️

[@julianaleblanc5445]

What bedding can I use to mix with Aspen shavings to hold the tunnels better?

[@Trainingthroughlife]

I love how pretty and colorful it all is! I love it when she does her little digging! It’s so cute!

[@HoppingHammy]

I love when she digs too, especially when she comes up with bedding all over her face! 😁 Thank you!

[@ChowDownDetroit]

your hammy has the best life ever! Too bad most people keep hamsters in a way too small of a cage and dirty bedding. They need to learn from you!

[@tupperwarebottle2285]

I know right!!!

[@Yeewen88]

Do u keep a hamster

[@thechaoticwitchnl]

Wow this is the most gorgeous hamster cage i have ever deen🥰❤️

[@scubaguy5389]

if i ever come back as a hamster, i am going to her house. wow what a cage!

[@mildsauce9551]

I use straight up soil that is organic, I use one of those half cut cork logs for a entrance and plant cat grass and wheat grass to help keep the soil together. Pikachu loves it he digs multi chamber burrows and tunnels. you do need to let the soil dry up a bit and you can water the grass with a mist bottle. I want to build him a bigger one. and before I get hate, He dose have a whole other box connected with the plastic tubes to another box that is all bedding.. its two diy big enclosures the biggest plastic ones. =)

[@jacksond7956]

Omg this is the first video of yours I have watched in a loooong while. I forgot how good your videos are!!

[@HoppingHammy]

Thank you, I appreciate that very much! :)

[@critterpaws8373]

Love the way you combined every type of substrate with Kashi exploring in it. Thank you for sharing

[@jazzyhk1809]

could you do a part two of this in a review style video where you rate these substrate based on how well they help to mask odour, how easy it is to clean/use (if it needs freezing etc), and how accessible they are and such? It'd be nice if you could include possible substitutes for them as well.

[@Cryptit]

I love this so much! Thank-you so much for the info! Currently I cure reptile moss (mostly for decoration), ground walnut sand, hay, and paper bedding

[@charliet0183]

Kashi is so cuteee 💕 Also I just realised I'm first heh, and Happy Easter! 🐇🥚

[@elsjedevisser7637]

Hi hopping hammy..happy Easter to you too...when i saw your video i couldnt believe it... we had the same idear...more about that later..i loved to watch your video and to see your cute little Kashi in action in all the different substrates..it was so funny. Last week i showed on instagram that video were i bought 5 bags with aspen bedding...after filming i brought it to the barn to put it in the closet that i specially use for my substrates..it didnt fit in anymore so i decided to get everything out and put everything back in a different order so it would fit. I was standing there and tought...oh dear..i have much to much different kinds of substrate..i completely forgotten some of them. I start counting...26 different kinds of substrates. Oh dear that is not normal.. so from now on i stop buying them for a while. But than i thought..maybe i can make a video of my substrate collection but while i was filming the camera of my phone stopped all the time...it cost me a whole evening and still i was not able to film it all in one video and i can not addit.. so i stopped..i said to myself....ahhh it doesnt matter ..probebly no one will be interested in substrates...well i was wrong i gues if people ask you this question so many times. But i dont think i will try it again..maybe one day when i have a better phone with a camera that doesnt stop all the time. I must say that i find this kind of video really very interesting and i was very surprised that these substrates are in America availeble in such big bags and for so less money than here..i love the green katy clean and cosy..it looks so natural. Baybay

[@HoppingHammy]

Hello Elsje! I just loved reading your comment and can't believe we both had the same idea to film! Your substrate collection sounds very interesting and I would love to see it one day if you are ever able to, or even just a photo of it. But please don't stress if it's too difficult though. :) That's a bummer that your phone kept stopping while you were recording. Silly technology doesn't always work well! Good night to you!

[@hamtron5074]

Great video! So many great ideas for adding in different substrates!

[@SAKSOON]

My dream is to get that huge size cage for my future hammies⭐ I get amazed by your awesome nature themed cage all the time🌲🌱🌿!! I wonder how you clean that cage lolol. Mine is half of that size and I get lazy when it's time to clean 😂.

[@Yeewen88]

So your cage is about 1890sq inches? That’s great

[@vonvonbearaj9050]

I highly doubt your cage is half that size u know how huge that is 😂

[@kittenmimi5326]

The awesome thing with these huge xaces is you don't really have to clean it... like ever. Just every 2 days or so scoop out soiled bedding (for example if the hanster likes to pee in a corner) you just scopp that part out and add fresh bedding. Every month or so you just move the bedding and sweep the floor of the cage if hanster poop had fallen on there

[@happyhabitats6427]

Been waiting for a video like this! Glad to see all of the products I already use in your video also. 🐹

[@HoppingHammy]

That's great! I used to use only one or two different types in past, but it sure is fun to incorporate a variety - plus the hamsters seem to enjoy it too!

[@happyhabitats6427]

@@HoppingHammy I love to give them verity! I have two big tanks connected with ovos and one side I keep more of a natural them. She had three different digging areas. I love filling the ovos with sand and Coco fiber!

[@HoppingHammy]

That sounds wonderful!

[@cayleighmadison6715]

I’ve never seen those colors! So gorgeous!

[@sarina2266]

What a cute little hamster!!

[@autumnsmith6201]

Lovely video. Kashi is ADORABLE!!!

[@HoppingHammy]

Thank you! :)

[@Geannie123]

Amazing!!! I'll definitely be using this as inspiration to create my habitat. Hope that's ok! This is just fabulous 😍😃.

[@sherryroseleybag6133]

I think this is the best enclosure 💖 super beautiful

[@pdlc3581]

My mind is boggled at the amazing hamster heaven you created.

[@littlehammies]

Happy Easter to you and your family. I hope you're having a lovely weekend. There is nothing better than watching a gorgeous little hammy happily playing in their huge cage. I think it's so cute when Kashi is covered in the coconut fibre and looks dirty, especially since she has cream fur ❤. She seems to enjoy digging around in it. You have a great variety of bedding. Does the soft grain by Kaytee hold burrows? It looks really lovely and soft. I like the idea of sprinkling the soft hay on top of the bedding. I use Fitch, I have used it for several years. I love it and all my hams seem to love it too. I provide torn up tissues so the hams can make their nests where they choose and everyone gets a sand bath. I have thought about offering additional substrates but I worry about any potential issues since a lot of my hams come to me with illness, injury or trauma, or they are seniors. Now that Kaytee bedding is available in the UK, I may try the soft grains. I hope you and Kashi are both doing well.

[@HoppingHammy]

Thank you for your wishes! I did have a nice day today and spent it out with my mom shopping. :) Hehe yes, Kashi looks so cute when she's in the Eco Earth and gets it all over her. She really seems to enjoy it! The Soft Granules from Kaytee don't hold burrows unfortunately. It's kind of like sand that just falls, but it's nice to dig in. Fitch is a bedding that I wish was sold over here because it sounds wonderful! It's really sweet that you provide soft bedding for your hamsters to stay comfy in.

[@Homelifelearning]

You are very creative. Lucky Kashie!

[@bonniec314]

I love the way you use the red bedding! Such a good idea :-) I use all of these products for my hams (I prefer reptile aspen however) But your cage is my GOALS! No lie :-) I also love to use Easter crinkle paper when it is on sale-so many colors!

[@TheaVee]

Why is there dislikes??? Why will people not like this? Love your vids!

[@smlies4430]

Your hamster has the best cage I have ever seen omg!!

[@samanthakwissiwa2308]

Wow! What a beautiful enclosure

[@insaneLALA]

The most blessed little hamster in the world is Kashi!

[@AmyAndAnimals]

I love your videos so much and Kashi is the most adorable little girl ever!!! Btw I’m early for once yasssss ✨💖♥️

[@HoppingHammy]

Thanks so much! Have a Happy Easter! 😊

[@AmyAndAnimals]

@@HoppingHammy you too 😘

[@alexisturner781]

Kashi is the cutest!

[@HoppingHammy]

Hehe thanks! 🐹

[@Zoeyss_life]

I own hermit crabs so I know you can use eco earth for them, but I didn’t know you could use it for Hamsters. That’s really cool!

[@onlyabs]

Your hamsters cages look amazing! Keep up the amazing work! (:

[@jackiepage6760]

Hi Hopping Hammy how are you doing today fine I hope. And a happy Easter to you to. Thanks so much for sharing this video with us I really love to know what Substrate to use for my hamster Beauty. It's so nice to see Kashi as always she's absolutely gorgeous. So sorry I didn't comment. When you first put your video out. But I didn't see it until the next day. I get really excited when you put out videos. I fell asleep really early last night. And I wake up like I never went to bed. I'm taking Spatone liquid iron. And I'm taking Complan. I still haven't got the medication for my doctor I've been busy. Any way I really hope that you have nice weather where you are we have beautiful weather here. I haven't had any Easter eggs yet but I will soon. Any way you and Kashi have a great Easter and I'll see you soon

[@harperdavey6490]

I really loved your video so much it’s so useful!!! ILYSM ❤️

[@hamtips4970]

Happy Easter 🐣 to you HH!! 😊

[@HoppingHammy]

Thank you! 😊

[@dennythebudgie]

I don't celebrate Easter.. But happy Easter to people who celebrate! 😁🐰🎉

[@gym6289]

This was very helpful thank you for making this😁

[@HoppingHammy]

You're very welcome!

[@howardnowes4244]

can you make a cleaning or how you rearrange your cages video?

[@keeljamio1407]

Amazing video!

[@tanphifer]

This hamster cage is amazing! I love it! Also great video! I learned a lot 🤗💖🥺

[@HoppingHammy]

Thank you so much and I'm glad it was a help to you! :)

[@kyleewilson4831]

I’m early! 😍💕 Happy Easter!

[@HoppingHammy]

Happy Easter! 😊

[@autumnsmith6201]

Also the coconut fiber substrate can be found on eBay :))

[@hannab8189]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@PreservingOurHistory]

Did you build Hammy’s enclosure from scratch or repurpose something? Love the size!

[@thebear7190]

Happy easter!

[@doodlesparklecleaning]

Such good info thank you!

[@HoppingHammy]

You're very welcome. :)

[@christinadaly]

Hey HoppingHammy! Thanks so much for this info. Your channel and Erinsanimals are great!!! What stones do you use? Brand? I just adopted 2 Syrians who were in tiny cages when I got them & I'm in the process of making them each billy cages that are double billys but also double decker! (4 billy cages put together for EACH hamster). They're gonna love it! And I also wanted to know what substrates you used so this is perfect. I am going to get the Carolina Storm Express wheel too but unfortunately they are out of the "natural" colors like green for my natural theme cage, oh well purple and red (I think) will have to do for now. I would also love to know where you found so many of the other natural looking products in this cage! Thanks! :)

[@UnyJustAGirl]

Happy Easter! 🐣🐥🥚Yay ive always wondered which bedding you used. Of course i knew some of them, but not the brands. Such a bummer that aspen bedding is barely sold where i live and when it is, its super duper expensive. You said that eco earth doesnt have anything in it right? Ive always wondered if i can use eco earth for venus flytrap. Ive done quite a bit of research on how to care for those plants. But yeah. I was wondering if eco earth wouldnt kill the plant. Maybe you know? Did i miss something? Since when is the cage above kashi's cage filled and decorated? I feel like i mustve missed a video or something. Thank you for making this video! This is something ive always wanted to know hahaha😋 Have a nice day😘😘

[@supremerulerofapplejuice9441]

Am i the only one with a hamster that completely re arranges their cage? 😭 i cant do anything cute without it reconstructing everything

[@bluexmoon3419]

I’ve never seen a better hamster cage

[@MascotRay7]

Cool

[@hugoweaving6275]

That's amazing. Does it make cleaning hard?

[@anyways_.g]

What cage theme is this it is so cute!! I am guessing it's tropical and are those plants fake?

[@cowcow6476]

Cute

[@hajarmdn4883]

Wish I could have such a big enclosure for my hammy. Alas my room is not more than 3 times the size the enclosure lol my hamster is only in a 500sq inch cage 😢. Hopefully when I move I will be able to provide her with a bigger cage

[@cayleighmadison6715]

Just... stunning. ❤️❤️❤️

[@HoppingHammy]

Thank you! ❤️

[@PreservingOurHistory]

It’s a lot cheaper to buy coconut coir at gardening centers (or Lowe’s/Menards/Home Depot etc) Sometimes it is compressed into a cube but will fluff up.

[@KatisWritingStill]

How often do you have to change up the entire cage?

[@nzpaws]

Do you think you could add subtitles?

[@HoppingHammy]

I have no idea how to even do that, but I'll try to read up on it. :)

[@nzpaws]

@@HoppingHammy thank you!

[@bridgetripley5506]

Where do you find the log stuff? Thank you so much for your video full of information! I learned so much. We recently got our hands on the detouf display case and are about to put all your information you shared in it! We’re so excited! Thank you so much for this video! I’m having a problem finding moss though any ideas ? I’m scared I’ll get the wrong kind.

[@HoppingHammy]

Hi Bridget! Thank you and I'm glad you've found the videos helpful! :) The cork logs were found at a store called "That Pet Place" in Lancaster, PA. You can order some online, or you can check the reptile section in your local pet stores to see if they carry various sizes of cork and grapevine / driftwood products. (I've always heard to avoid "mopani" wood with hamsters.) The moss was also found at that store, but you can buy it online here: www.thatpetplace.com/royal-pillow-moss-8-qt_3 and also here: www.amazon.com/Gal%C3%A1pagos-05234-Pillow-Clumps-Natural/dp/B00KZDT47M Those are the 2 types of moss I have incorporated into the habitat. I hope this helps you and if you have any other questions about the products used, feel free to ask! :)

[@itzmais]

So helpful xxx

[@jazzyjazz5056]

How long do you freeze the first coconut fiber one???

[@HoppingHammy]

Usually 24-48 hours is enough to ensure it's safe. :)

[@user-nk8wo4ox4l]

What are the fake trees and pieces of wood you're using?

[@1hotmesstanya381]

Nice

[@emilyann4611]

Is Aspen bedding good for borrowing??

[@tate1596]

No x

[@Ariana-bk9yq]

Can you make a tropical themed cage one time?

[@HoppingHammy]

Hi Ariana! :) I do have a Rainforest cage theme video, but I haven't yet done a tropical one with pineapples and such, if that's what you mean! Maybe I will one day!

[@Ariana-bk9yq]

Yes and with colorfull flowers and stuff, thank you for the answer :)

[@gaturriim]

How often I have to change the soil in my hamster enclosure,I really want to make sure that my hamster can be safe and happy but I don’t know to much information,so if someone can help me please.

[@hollieblackham]

Wow that’s one big cage 🙀

[@labels707]

did I miss what is best for Burrowing Tunnels that last

[@anelacuban8595]

labels - kaytee clean and cozy

[@Karen-de3gs]

Have you ever considered making your bedding bioactive?

[@amycaj]

Thank you for making this video! 😊 i had one question regarding the wheat plants you stand up against the wall that kashi eats. Where do you get them from? Thank you xx

[@HoppingHammy]

You're welcome Amy! :) I was thinking about making another video to talk about those dried plants and some of the other items. Those are called wheat and oat sprays and you can find them in the bird section of some pet stores. The brand is "Brown's Tropical Carnival" Something else I offer Kashi is millet seed sprays, also in the bird section. Be sure to get only natural sprays and not the flavored ones that contains spices or seasoning. You can also find all of these items on Amazon. I hope this helps!

[@bridgetripley5506]

Where do you get the wood pieces ? most I’ve found are too small of holes for Syrian hamster . Thank you ! I just found you and so glad I did. You are a blessing. Now I know the name and what products I’m looking for. We just got the detouf to diy it for my daughter’s hamster. This is exactly what I needed to see today!!! Thank you

[@manamagician]

I so wish I had the space to create a hamster environment like yours! I have a question about the Kaytee Clean & Cosey bedding though, I keep seeing a warning on the packaging about it containing wood dust and that it can cause cancer; Is that something I should really be worried about? I am interested in buying it but that warning has spooked me a bit :'D Also is carefresh good for holding up burrows? And are woodshavings okay for a Robo hamster to live in? Thank you!

[@HoppingHammy]

Hello! That warning is very common for various products to have and it's something that California, in particular, requires on pretty much everything. Even things like electrical cords or plastic items might contain that warning. Most products will not cause cancer, of course, but I think it's something they do to protect themselves for liability reasons or getting sued. You don't have to worry though because many people in the hamster community use Clean & Cozy with zero issues. :) And yes, both Clean & Cozy and Carefresh are quite good at holding burrows! You can even mix it with aspen woodshavings (don't use pine or cedar) and that will make the burrows hold shape very well. Hope this helps!

[@imwatching4us]

I order the brown krinkle paper from U-Line (use it for making gift bags/baskets) You can get a huge box for a very good price :)

[@andersandersen1284]

Does carefresh hold burrows?

[@HoppingHammy]

Yes, it holds pretty well. Sometimes I find that mixing aspen with it can hold even better. :)

[@n0tmarl3y]

how often do i change out the coco fibre? and how often do i change out sand?

[@lindseys4886]

Have you ever had an issue with mites in the carefresh or katee bedding? It seems to be an issue around my area

[@HoppingHammy]

No, so far I haven't had any issues with mites. Mites sound awful to deal with though! :(

[@lindseys4886]

I’ve only ever had 1 mouse get them and I currently have 36. I feel so bad, he looks miserable, but luckily our local vet has it under control! Thank you so much for replying

[@Kt-cn2rq]

Omg own room. My guinea pig has own room too.

[@k.l.p.c]

Wow, how do you clean your cage and how often?

[@HoppingHammy]

Hi! Here is a video I did on Spot Cleaning this cage. It explains your questions :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6eyimpnl9tlqq8

[@k.l.p.c]

@@HoppingHammyThank you!

[@taraleenorin1467]

Some very good ideas with substrates. Is corkwood safe for hamsters? I’ve been hearing contrary information. Thank You.

[@shimizukiyoko4767]

Cork products (like cork logs) are perfectly safe for hamsters!

[@JD-mm7ur]

who built your cage? or where you got it?

[@beachhouse2000]

WOO HOO! WE USE THE SAME SAND! xD

[@anthonymcdonnell6615]

I still love kashi

[@mom_wife_life3241]

How did you make that cage?! What are the dimensions?

[@jaydenmeier7474]

how long do you freeze the coconut fiber?

[@BaByYodaLR]

Can I use the natural vitamin fortified calcium carbonate substrate? I got it at petco on the reptile section but haven't opened it wasn't too sure versus the very fine sand that is usually sold

[@user-ly1nt5ej3l]

How are you even supposed to spot clean!? I love this cage but it must be really hard to spot clean! :)

[@jan.m8003]

What wallpaper do you use at the back of your cage?

[@HoppingHammy]

This is an aquarium background that you can find in the aquatics section of a pet store. :) They sell it by the foot so you can buy however much you want.

[@jan.m8003]

@@HoppingHammy oh ok thank you so much!!

[@cahorrita0582]

Hi I love what you've done for your fur baby my question is how often do you clean it and is your fur baby potty train?

[@jaydenmeier7474]

You can't necessarily potty train them like a child. However, if you get them a sand bath they will pee in it and treat it like a litter box most times. Keep in mind not every hamster is the same though.

[@shuttershades3254]

Do you ever get bugs and mines in your cage? And how can you prevent them

[@shanellepeake3626]

💕👌🏼💕

[@vixtion9180]

any links to the camo bedding? cant find it

[@graysongirl6403]

I wish i wasnt stuck in a tiny apartment, would love a big enclosure

[@lexy10985]

Omg how often do u clean these cages? And how long does it take u? My 75 gallon for my Syrian takes around 2 hours

[@HoppingHammy]

Hi! I have a video about cleaning here, if you are interested. :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6eyimpnl9tlqq8

[@ToktaAkademi]

I would like to be the hamster in your cage

[@lindsay2049]

Same

[@lily-bluewarren3471]

Mind my asking but where could I find a black hamster wheel like yours?

[@jaydenmeier7474]

look up niteangel wheels on amazon. they are the best you can get your hamster. I have the L sized acrylic one for my long haired Syrian. he loves it!

[@karrifisher8304]

why do you prefer Carefresh over Kaytee? I use Kaytee and feel like it absorbs a lot better and expands much more than the carefresh but I would like to hear your opinion on the reasons why carefresh is better? I am always trying to encourage a positive quality of life so would like to know. Thank you so much!

[@HoppingHammy]

Hi Karri! :) I'm not sure if I made it sound like I prefer Carefresh, but I actually like and use them both for different reasons. I did mention Kaytee quite a lot in this video, actually! I like the Clean and Cozy because it's extremely soft and it does expand a lot, exactly like you mentioned. I don't find it to be as absorbent though. I did a test in past with dropping the same amount of water into a dish with Carefresh and C&C and the Carefresh absorbed much more. I notice that when I the C&C in Kashi's potty jar, it gets soggy and clumps together in a corner. I also love that Carefresh has such a huge variety of colors to choose from, which is great for cage themes. :) But again I really do like both beddings for various reasons and incorporate the 2 brands into my cage. Hope this helps! 💕

[@AmyAndAnimals]

Also all the hamster lovers I have just started my channel and would love some feedback on my first video, thankyouuuuuuuuuuu 🐹

[@HoppingHammy]

Best of luck with your channel! :)

[@AmyAndAnimals]

@@HoppingHammy thankyouuuuuuuuu you are honestly such an inspiration for what I want to do :)

[@somewhataddicted7685]

Where did you get that enclosure?

[@HoppingHammy]

It's a DIY cage :)

[@Unknown-kr6nj]

That’s the luckiest hamster

[@pandoravex4791]

Random question. Is it possible to make a bioactive cage for hamsters? Or is it kinda out of the question?