🐹 1. Hamsters are Natural Burrowers
In the wild, hamsters live in underground tunnel systems for safety and temperature control.
Deep substrate (usually 20–30 cm / 8–12 inches minimum) allows them to:
Dig tunnels
Make chambers
Feel secure
Express instinctive behaviors
Hamsters kept with shallow bedding often show stress behaviors like bar chewing or pacing.
🧠 2. Reduces Stress & Gives a Sense of Security
Deep, soft substrate lets hamsters create sleeping nests and hide, which helps them feel safe from predators.
Stress goes down, confidence and natural curiosity go up.
🏋️ 3. Encourages Exercise & Mental Stimulation
Digging is a major form of hamster exercise.
A rich substrate layer gives them:
Physical workout
Mental engagement
A dynamic environment that they can shape
It’s one of the most important forms of enrichment.
🌡️ 4. Helps With Temperature Regulation
Burrows trap warmth and provide cooler layers deeper down.
This helps hamsters maintain a stable body temperature, especially in colder rooms.
🧼 5. Supports Cleanliness
With enough substrate, hamsters will often create:
A dedicated toilet area
A separate sleeping chamber
Food storage spots
This mimics their natural behavior and makes spot cleaning easier.
🛏️ 6. Improves Comfort and Joint Health
Soft, fluffy substrate is gentle on a hamster’s feet and allows natural movement.
Hard surfaces alone can cause pressure sores or stress on their joints.