And how can we make it less stressful?
Imagine...
Imagine you’re walking on a trail and leave a bunch of breadcrumbs where you walk so you know how to get back… you take different turns and follow the breadcrumbs back and then go another way and leave more breadcrumbs.
Then all of a sudden you turn around and notice your breadcrumbs have been scattered every which way so you don’t know how to get back.
Why the stress?
Hamsters rely especially on scent cues (their “bread crumbs”) to get around their enclosure, and when we deep clean their space oftentimes those scent cues do too!
Cleaning can also involve rummaging through burrows that they’ve spent hours working on.
While regular spot cleaning is essential, a more in depth cleaning helps maintain a healthy environment.
It is true that a complete cage clean can be stressful to a hamster, but it is necessary to do deeper spot cleanings time to time ensuring that your hamster is in the safest and healthiest environment.
Here’s some tips for cleaning your hamster's enclosure in the least stress-inducing way:
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Replace Worn Out Items
- Check for chewed-up sprays, peed on wooden items, or any other items that need replacing.
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Clean Accessories
- Deep clean food/water dishes, and any accessories that appear peed on or otherwise soiled with hot water (dawn dish soap is okay if well rinsed)
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Refresh Bedding
- For the sake of the environment, and stress of your hamsters, try to spot clean to check for damp or soiled bedding and only remove what's necessary.
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Check for Drafts & Temperature Changes
- Spring weather can be unpredictable. Try to ensure your hamster’s home stays between 65–75°F (If you're hot or cold, imagine how your hammy might feel)
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Pest Prevention
- Warmer weather can bring unwanted guests. Store food and treats properly and keep an eye out for wheat bugs and fruit flies.
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Spoiled Food Items
- Only remove your hamster's food stashes if the food is spoiled or peed on; otherwise it's safe to leave it.