Upgrading a Hamster Enclosure: A Real-Life Setup for Waffle

As pet owners, there are moments when we look at our pets’ enclosures and realize they no longer reflect the level of care and enrichment we want to provide. That was exactly the case with Waffle’s setup. Life had been busy, content creation slowed down, and decorating her enclosure kept getting pushed aside. While the setup was clean and functional, it was undeniably bare and boring.

Despite this, Waffle herself was doing perfectly fine. After rearranging my bedroom, I was able to keep a closer eye on her, and I noticed how calm she is compared to Pancake. This was surprising, as female hamsters are often more active than males. Still, every hamster has their own personality, and Waffle’s calm nature made the upgrade process even more enjoyable.

Preparing for the Enclosure Upgrade

The first step in upgrading any hamster enclosure is to remove everything from inside. Once the enclosure was empty, the lack of enrichment became very obvious. To keep Waffle safe during the process, I gently scooped her up and placed her in a travel carrier. This ensures that she remains stress-free while the enclosure is being cleaned and redesigned.

Cleaning the Enclosure Thoroughly

Cleaning is a crucial part of any enclosure reset. I focused on removing soiled bedding and patches where urine had built up. Maintaining cleanliness helps prevent odors and keeps the hamster healthy. Any plastic or glass items were also washed to ensure there was no buildup of bacteria.

Choosing and Layering the Bedding

One of my favorite parts of setting up an enclosure is adding bedding. Proper bedding allows hamsters to express their natural burrowing instincts. For Waffle’s enclosure, I used a mix of hemp bedding and paper-based bedding. Mixing different textures helps the bedding hold burrows more effectively.

I also added fresh, dust-free, soft Timothy hay originally intended for guinea pigs. This hay adds structure and improves burrow stability. After mixing all the materials together, I compressed the bedding firmly. Compressing the bedding is extremely important, as it helps tunnels stay intact.

After compression, I added another layer of hemp bedding on top. Hamsters should have a minimum of around ten inches of bedding to allow for proper burrowing, and Waffle’s enclosure easily met that requirement.

Sand Bath, Wheel, and Essential Items

Next, I cleaned the sand bath along with the slate tile placed on top of it. Sand baths are essential for hamsters, as they help keep their fur clean and healthy. The exercise wheel was also cleaned thoroughly, as it had accumulated urine.

Once everything was clean, all items were placed back into the enclosure. A semi-crowded setup with plenty of hiding spots helps hamsters feel secure and reduces stress.

Adding Enrichment and Chew Toys

Because I was running low on enrichment items, I had recently purchased a large haul of pet supplies. One of the standout items was a hanging tube chew toy. This type of toy is excellent for dental health, as hamsters have sixteen teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives and require constant wear.

I also added natural sprays purchased from the bird section of the pet store. These sprays encourage natural foraging behaviors and provide mental stimulation. For nail care, I placed a terracotta dish inside the enclosure, which naturally helps wear down nails during daily movement.

Forage, Substrates, and Sensory Enrichment

Foraging materials are essential for keeping hamsters mentally engaged. I added several packs of forage that would last a long time and promote natural feeding behaviors. Millet sprays with different textures were included, along with an additional substrate made of beech chips. This substrate enriches the hamster’s sense of touch and adds variety to the enclosure.

Waffle had also run out of sand, so I added fresh, calcium-free desert sand. This type of sand is safe and ideal for hamster grooming.

Water, Nesting Materials, and Final Touches

Both a water dish and a water bottle were placed in the enclosure. Waffle has always preferred drinking from a bottle and does not really understand how to use a dish, unlike Pancake, who loved his water dish.

For nesting material, I shredded unscented toilet paper. This is a safe, soft, and affordable option that allows hamsters to build comfortable nests.

The Finished Enclosure Setup

The finished enclosure was a huge improvement. It was richer, more stimulating, and far more natural than before. Interestingly, Waffle takes much longer to dismantle her setups, whereas Pancake used to destroy his in just a few hours.

Observing Waffle’s Reaction

Once everything was complete, it was time to reintroduce Waffle to her upgraded home. She handled the interaction extremely well, even though I do not handle her very often. She is surprisingly tame despite never going through a formal taming process.

Unlike Pancake, Waffle has never been observed pouching food. Pancake used to create massive food hoards, but with Waffle, I rarely see her carrying items to her nest. Still, food always disappears, so she is clearly eating well.

Grooming, Sand Bath Joy, and Favorite Toys

Waffle clearly missed having a sand bath. Watching her roll and dig in the sand was a joy, and it also helps naturally wear down her claws. Her coat is long, soft, and beautiful, and despite never being brushed, she keeps it in excellent condition herself.

The hanging chew toy was an instant hit. She quickly showed interest and interacted with it frequently. I also added larger wooden chews, which she ended up dragging into her nest. Interestingly, Puffin did not seem to enjoy these chews, which was unexpected.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading Waffle’s enclosure was a rewarding experience. A well-designed habitat improves not only a hamster’s physical health but also their mental well-being. Simple changes such as deeper bedding, varied substrates, and natural enrichment can make a huge difference.

This setup proved that even when life gets busy, taking the time to refresh a pet’s environment is always worth it. Waffle’s calm, curious behavior was the best confirmation that the upgrade was a success.