In addition, the ink on white paper does not rub off as easily as newspaper ink, meaning that your hamster’s fur would not get stained with ink. [5] X Research source Use scissors to cut the paper into thin strips. It may be helpful to cut the strips into smaller sections so that your hamster can play with it and burrow in it more easily.
You can also shred facial tissues with your hands to make hamster bedding. [7] X Research source
If you have a smaller hamster, like a Roborovski dwarf hamster, you may need to cut the toilet paper roll into smaller pieces that he will be able to shred more easily.
In addition, the chemicals in cat litter to control odor can be very harmful to hamsters. Hamsters cannot digest cat litter. If your hamster tries to eat the litter, he may end up with an intestinal impaction that could make him very sick. If you try to use litter that clumps when it becomes wet, the clumps could become stuck in your hamster’s fur like small blocks of cement.
You will also need some paper towels and/or a cookie sheet on which to dry the bedding. Making bedding with water can be a very messy process, so it would be best to work in a large sink, such as your kitchen sink. Make sure that you have a drain stopper to prevent paper pieces from going down the drain. [10] X Research source The t-shirt or colander will be necessary for draining the water when the paper is fully soaked. Wearing a pair of gloves will keep your fingers from getting stained as the ink from the paper mixes with the water. [11] X Research source
If you are impatient, you can start tearing the paper as soon as you add the water. However, the paper will be much easier to tear if you let it soak first. [17] X Research source
If you are using a colander, position it over the drain stopper and pour the water and paper pieces into the colander. Pieces of paper may slip through the holes of the colander. If the stopper fills up, clean it out by putting the pieces back in the original bowl. Press down on the paper in the colander to get out any excess water. If you prefer to use an old t-shirt, position it in the sink next to the drain (with the drain stopper in). Slowly pour the water and paper pieces onto the t-shirt. When you have finished pouring, roll up the t-shirt and wring out the excess water. [20] X Research source Pouring out only the water from the original bowl creates less mess, but you may not be able to get all of the excess water as easily as using a colander or old t-shirt. Rinse and drain several times to get out all of the ink. The water will run clear when there is no more ink left. [21] X Research source
You could also form the paper into clumps, rather than balls. The clumps would be a little looser and shorten the drying process. [23] X Research source Place the balls on some paper towels or a cookie sheet to allow them to dry. [24] X Research source It may take a few days for the balls to dry. [25] X Research source Periodically check on them to test their dryness. You may need to change out the paper towels if they get too damp.
Place the broken-apart bedding on some paper towels. The bedding may still be a little damp, so you will probably need to dry it for even longer to make sure it is completely dry before adding it to your hamster’s cage. Spread the bedding out as thinly as possible to quicken the drying process. [27] X Research source For odor control, you can sprinkle some baking soda on top of the bedding after you have broken it apart and are allowing it to dry. [28] X Research source
It is okay if you add a lot of bedding. Remember that too much bedding is better than not enough. [30] X Research source
