I use a setting which is called 'ultra dry' which does make it all dry so that makes sense.. xD Not sure what the tempeture is of that setting, actually never cheked that. It is in the tumble dryer for about 2 hours.
+craftygirl123 I feel like I have few pets compared to some, but I have quite a few (a dog, 3 cats, and a hamster, a new puppy this summer!) but I get where your coming from, I used to not have my lovely hamster, Sunshine, yet still watched all of her hamster videos.
This earth day I am looking forward to making a completely diy hamster cage theme (diy bedding, diy hideouts, diy water bottle holder etc.) and this will be an awesome guide to the bedding :D
Cool! 😋 but i would not recommend a water bottle holder, just a bowl. It is because 1. The water bottle end doesn't alow your hamster too drink, because nothing comes out. It has a too small hole. 2. The water bottle end has alot of bacteria (dont know how to spell that, Im dutch ) or parasites which can make your hamster/bunny/guinnea pig or which ever animal/pet really sick and it can even die because of it. 3. If the water bottle does not do its work (giving water ofcourse) your animal will just be like: " meh whats the point of drinking water if Nothing comes out?" And then it can get dehydrated which can make your pet sick. But still i love the idea for diying your whole tank she/he would be so happy! 😝💗
Hi Erin! About a year ago I tried making bedding when I saw your video, and as I realised it was taking a while to dry out I decided to put it in in the tumble dryer inside a pillow case, just to see if that worked out.. and the results, everything went perfectly! My two dwarf hamsters enjoyed their nesting area with that cosy (and cheap) bedding. I really appreciate your tips and ideas, and I think they are very original! Thank you!
Hi, I'm thinking about asking my parents if I could adopt a hamster and I would pay for it myself, so this would be cheap option and it would make it much more possible that they would say yes, so thank you!!
Xithvader Well then you have a bad cage, what cage is it??. I would get a detolf 50€ and fill it with a lot of substrate in the ends and fill it with toys so I would spend atleast 300€
Thank you so much Erin! I've been struggling to get hamster bedding. Can't find anything safe, just the wood pellets. This is perfect! You're a genius!! Lol.
Tried this just now! It worked! I used a mesh washing bag and spin for about 15 minutes and shove it inside oven for 30 minutes.. Well bam! Thank you Erin!
I visited a Pet store yesterday and was surprised to find this exact bedding on All the shelves and in every cage. Look what you started! Hope you got some credit for this great video/idea Salute!!!
In a store, it was most likely a brand version of paper bedding. Carefresh brand bedding is a paper bedding that has the same appearance as what is seen in this video, and comes in multiple safe-for-hammy colors. You can see that brand here: ruclips.net/video/oGo5JSauQ0c/видео.html
You're joking? She didn't invent paper bedding. Paper bedding has been around forever. She simply made her own diy version instead of buying it in store. I might actually try to do this myself. I suspect my new recent house mouse is allergic to the wood shavings in her cage. I didn't plan on rescuing a mouse so I used bedding I had saved from my last hamster. Unfortunately the bedding has been sitting in a container for over 2 years and is wood, can't remember what type. I got her on the 5th so she's been her for a few weeks alone. This week I plan on getting her a playmate and new bedding. I will be diyng my old rat cage into a mouse cage. I wanted a 20 gallon tank but I lack the funds.
should work better, I had to add some cloths to keep it from banging around. I don't use the drier, it takes so long, 2 hours is a lot of electricity. I now just dump it out and let it dry in the sun.
If you leave the paper in the pillow case and then pop it in the dryer it's fine. I did this and didn't have a problem. My hamster absolutely loves this bedding so thank you for the tip. 😜
Some tips :) You can use a pillowcase with a zipper After you take it out of the washing machine, put it in a blender (instead of ripping it by hand) ;) Just make sure your blender can take it :) I can only put in small quantities because I have a very cheap blender "no name" :))
Heya Erin, I used to watch your videos a couple of years ago and I've started watching them again recently, and I just wanted to say how far you've come! Fantastic video 😊
I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL SO MUCHH!! The videos really helped me prepare for my 2 chinese hamsters! I made your hamster mixed nutty treats today! They both loved them so much! Thankyou Erin xxx
Hi Erin, I know you probably won’t see this as this is an old video, but I’m just wondering if when you say you can’t use colored paper is outdated, because I made some red and green bedding out of colored paper, for Christmas, and I just wanted to make sure it was safe before using it. The only reason I am saying this, is because I know you use colored tissue in your cages now, and so I thought they would be similar. My hamsters don’t eat their bedding, and they also don’t even put it in their cheeks. I would be mixing it with kaytee paper bedding, but is this safe??
I'm now watching this in 2018 an i just wanna say thank u cuz u just helped me save money from buying bedding when i done already have 2big packs of white paper there that i can use instead an i just got my two new hamsters one is a female syrian and a chinese male one which two days apart i brought them they are the cutest i love them already but they always trying to excape.
This is a really good idea. The only thing I have to say is that I used the dryer AND the oven method and it always feels a little damp. If you leave it on the radiator overnight after being in the dryer it works pretty good too.
Such a clever idea, I may try this next winter to save myself needing to buy white Carefresh again, as I like to use it to make a snow affect in some areas of the cage.
I filmed this video back in the beginning of December but only just got around to editing it, apologies for the delay! Who spotted Elizabeth causing trouble? :P
my hamster was like thet try fresh food something like strawberries he/she may prefer something from there if not then try without treats it worried for me
I put the pillow case in with the blue clothes and got blue bedding! You can make any color, just washing it in with the color of clothes you want the bedding!
I have the same problem. I feel so guilty. I also feel like we don’t have enough bedding (hence why I’m here) I’m trying to figure out how to work with what I have.
I know I’m a little late, but if it’s still relevant to you or anyone else reading this, Erin has another video showing why you can’t have a small hamster cage using visuals and facts about hamsters. You just have to look it up either on RUclips or Google. This may help them understand, and you could suggest cage alternatives like bin cages.
Hey Erin, I'm going to be making this substrate on the future, but before I do so is it okay to color it? But the color I'm going to be using is your recipe for the paint (The carrot, cabbage, and strawberry boiling thingy?) and mix it with the crushed paper (Wet) and let it dry?
this is a great idea I wanna to try to live a more sustainable lifestyle and was wondering if there was a way to use recycle paper (e.I. old newspaper/printer paper that had been printed on) and still have it be safe for hamsters?
sounds great I'll do this tomorrow and I'll test the tumble dry method oh and can I use tissue and regular white paper I also have cardboard paper which is pepper made with a thin cardboard
+pia mares I put it on high heat for 15 minutes and low heat for 15 minutes (if it's still damp repeat that step), oh and be sure the bag doesn't open I used a pillow case with a zipper on the end
+Lee Jia Hua Ethan Lol I didn't, I just left a receipt in my jeans when I washed them and when I took them out of the machine I realised the mess it had left looked very similar to my homemade bedding from a few years ago. Once I made the bedding itself the cooker seemed like the obvious place to dry it quickly :)
Could we possibly use craft paper? From any generic brand? Or is there any way to change the color? I’m looking to make a Halloween themed cage for my little guinny
Hi @ErinsAnimals I make bedding this way and do use a tumble dryer. It works well, but I recommend not over-drying it otherwise it goes very hard. :D Keep an eye just as you would in the cooker. Hope that helps someone!
+Savanna Jarrett Aspen is one of the only safe substrates we can get here other than wood pellets, the only other substrates we can get are all unsafe ones such as pine shavings. You don't have to use aspen though, if you want a list of safe and unsafe substrates I have a video on it here :) - ruclips.net/video/JIlr_n3IXK0/видео.html
I tried it and it works good, I used only the washing machine and then put it out in the sun to dry. I tried it with cardboard too and that work just as good and its a lot cheaper. of coarse it turns out brown, tried it with paper towels and they don't ball up like paper and cardboard. going to fill the mouse aquarium about half full to see if they build burrows.
is it not better to just shred the paper and soak it in warm water till it has a weird texture and then let it dry in the air? does that make the bedding softer.. or is it not suitable for the use of bedding?
Sounds like the same concept of when I forget a piece of paper in my jeans pocket and when I take it out of the washer and dryer it's all crumbled lol
+Kathy's Kritters That's exactly how I came up with it :P
+ErinsAnimals mistakes do come in handy then! XD
Omg yes😂😂😱it happened to me recently and it was a nightmare trying ti take every single piece if paper out of me school trousers😭😂
Katherine Moreira lol same
Katherine Moreira but exept u can't give it 2 ur hamster😂😂
A tumble dryer works perfect, and you can also make a big batch at once. ^_^
How long did it take? And what temp? (high, medium, low?)
I use a setting which is called 'ultra dry' which does make it all dry so that makes sense.. xD Not sure what the tempeture is of that setting, actually never cheked that. It is in the tumble dryer for about 2 hours.
Ok thanks! (:
how much papers it took you to make a big batch? i want to do some fr my medium sized bin cage fr my hamster.. thanks
Did you break up the pieces before you put them in the tumble dryer or after?
Am I the only one that doesn't have a lot of pets but love watching her videos😂 I have a puppy tho
+craftygirl123 Yeah, I don't have a hamster or a dog, but I still love her videos!
+Sina Baur yay someone agrees thx
+craftygirl123
I feel like I have few pets compared to some, but I have quite a few (a dog, 3 cats, and a hamster, a new puppy this summer!) but I get where your coming from, I used to not have my lovely hamster, Sunshine, yet still watched all of her hamster videos.
Kawaiicrafter25 I have a dog and my mom won't let me get a hamster/guinea pig because I already have a dog... 😫😫😫😫😫😩😭😭
thu t Same with my mom but I showed her by responsibility
I tryed the tumble dryer and it worked YAY
+Hámster Eden I put it in for 30 minutes high heat and to cool it down I put it for 10 minutes on cool dry
+muffin the hamster thanks to both of you
now I will try
+Hámster Eden thanks I will try
did you crumble the paper then put it in the dryer, or did you just put it straight into the dryer?
This earth day I am looking forward to making a completely diy hamster cage theme (diy bedding, diy hideouts, diy water bottle holder etc.) and this will be an awesome guide to the bedding :D
Fluffy popcorn that sounds nice 👍
That so cool
That’s awesome
Cool! 😋 but i would not recommend a water bottle holder, just a bowl. It is because
1. The water bottle end doesn't alow your hamster too drink, because nothing comes out. It has a too small hole.
2. The water bottle end has alot of bacteria (dont know how to spell that, Im dutch ) or parasites which can make your hamster/bunny/guinnea pig or which ever animal/pet really sick and it can even die because of it.
3. If the water bottle does not do its work (giving water ofcourse) your animal will just be like: " meh whats the point of drinking water if Nothing comes out?" And then it can get dehydrated which can make your pet sick.
But still i love the idea for diying your whole tank she/he would be so happy! 😝💗
sounds really cool! :)
1. diy bin cage
2. diy wheel
3. diy bedding
4. diy sand bath (lmao diy sand)
5. diy water bottle holder
6. diy hideouts
7. diy wood chews
Good luck :)
Hi Erin!
About a year ago I tried making bedding when I saw your video, and as I realised it was taking a while to dry out I decided to put it in in the tumble dryer inside a pillow case, just to see if that worked out.. and the results, everything went perfectly! My two dwarf hamsters enjoyed their nesting area with that cosy (and cheap) bedding. I really appreciate your tips and ideas, and I think they are very original! Thank you!
The tumble dryer method does work! I would suggest breaking apart the bedding through the pillow case before you pop it in the dryer.
Thanks!!
Hi, I'm thinking about asking my parents if I could adopt a hamster and I would pay for it myself, so this would be cheap option and it would make it much more possible that they would say yes, so thank you!!
Keep in mind that paper doesn't have that great of odor control, but hopefully you can get a hamster!
Xithvader Well then you have a bad cage, what cage is it??. I would get a detolf 50€ and fill it with a lot of substrate in the ends and fill it with toys so I would spend atleast 300€
Xithvader Some great cages would be zoozone 2 or the Alexander cage, you can find the Alexander on zoozone.
Xithvader Oh, I thought I lived in the U.K. so the only one you can get is the zoozone.
Remember that bedding has BAD oder control I recommend getting a BIG pack of bedding and those not cost a lot :)
step number 2, let cat ninja swipe your paper rolls!
Thank you so much Erin! I've been struggling to get hamster bedding. Can't find anything safe, just the wood pellets. This is perfect! You're a genius!! Lol.
Tried this just now! It worked! I used a mesh washing bag and spin for about 15 minutes and shove it inside oven for 30 minutes.. Well bam! Thank you Erin!
Erin, Iove your channel don't stop making these videos because Lena (my hamster) love your tips
The tumble dryer works!
Awesome tutorial - I love this method for making my own bedding! Especially the spin function on the washing machine - makes it drying it much faster!
I visited a Pet store yesterday and was surprised to find this exact bedding on All the shelves and in every cage. Look what you started! Hope you got some credit for this great video/idea
Salute!!!
In a store, it was most likely a brand version of paper bedding. Carefresh brand bedding is a paper bedding that has the same appearance as what is seen in this video, and comes in multiple safe-for-hammy colors. You can see that brand here: ruclips.net/video/oGo5JSauQ0c/видео.html
You're joking? She didn't invent paper bedding. Paper bedding has been around forever. She simply made her own diy version instead of buying it in store. I might actually try to do this myself.
I suspect my new recent house mouse is allergic to the wood shavings in her cage. I didn't plan on rescuing a mouse so I used bedding I had saved from my last hamster. Unfortunately the bedding has been sitting in a container for over 2 years and is wood, can't remember what type. I got her on the 5th so she's been her for a few weeks alone. This week I plan on getting her a playmate and new bedding. I will be diyng my old rat cage into a mouse cage. I wanted a 20 gallon tank but I lack the funds.
love the paper bedding methods used this last year !
Me: *Doesn't have a oven*
*Goes outside and dries the bedding with sun*
Mission complete
Can you do two pillow cases at the same time?
I don't see why not :)
bertie… lol
It works I did it
should work better, I had to add some cloths to keep it from banging around. I don't use the drier, it takes so long, 2 hours is a lot of electricity. I now just dump it out and let it dry in the sun.
"What are the cats doing..?" My favorite part of this video LOL!
If you leave the paper in the pillow case and then pop it in the dryer it's fine. I did this and didn't have a problem. My hamster absolutely loves this bedding so thank you for the tip. 😜
Some tips :)
You can use a pillowcase with a zipper
After you take it out of the washing machine, put it in a blender (instead of ripping it by hand) ;) Just make sure your blender can take it :) I can only put in small quantities because I have a very cheap blender "no name" :))
I'm getting my 4th hamster tomorrow and I'm binging on all of your videos.
Wow! This is such an amazing idea!!
Heya Erin, I used to watch your videos a couple of years ago and I've started watching them again recently, and I just wanted to say how far you've come! Fantastic video 😊
Does this bedding hold a burrow?
Amazing video, Erin! This looks like a great alternative if you can't afford to buy proper bedding :)
I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL SO MUCHH!! The videos really helped me prepare for my 2 chinese hamsters! I made your hamster mixed nutty treats today! They both loved them so much! Thankyou Erin xxx
I just made the older version and I LOVE IT 😍😍 I should try this thank you so much for sharing! 💕
this is so much easier and my mice love digging in it!
Great method! I must say my favorite part is the kitty running across your work area LOL...cats are always so much help :-)
Love your videos!!
This one seems much easier than the previous one! I tried the older method and it worked really well, but the bedding took a VERY long time to dry😃
Hi Erin,
I know you probably won’t see this as this is an old video, but I’m just wondering if when you say you can’t use colored paper is outdated, because I made some red and green bedding out of colored paper, for Christmas, and I just wanted to make sure it was safe before using it. The only reason I am saying this, is because I know you use colored tissue in your cages now, and so I thought they would be similar. My hamsters don’t eat their bedding, and they also don’t even put it in their cheeks. I would be mixing it with kaytee paper bedding, but is this safe??
I'm now watching this in 2018 an i just wanna say thank u cuz u just helped me save money from buying bedding when i done already have 2big packs of white paper there that i can use instead an i just got my two new hamsters one is a female syrian and a chinese male one which two days apart i brought them they are the cutest i love them already but they always trying to excape.
Would this work using toilet paper or kitchen roll?
Awesome Video Erin! Great Tips! This IS SUCH A GREAT IDEA! *Your AMAZING!*
Can they burrow effectively in this bedding? Great video
Congrats you just got a subscriber this is an amazing channel I've learned so much from u thanks
This works awesome and is great for recycling paper!
Ooh! I should try this! You are so creative Erin, I would have never thought of something like this! (: xoxo
"On,what are the cats doing"😂🤣
Oh my gosh this is like brilliant!!! Thx so much Erin! :)
Wow I can't believe you don't have a dryer. I'm so going to try this! Thank you!!
Most people don't, I don't have one, you'd be lucky to
This is a really good idea. The only thing I have to say is that I used the dryer AND the oven method and it always feels a little damp. If you leave it on the radiator overnight after being in the dryer it works pretty good too.
Could you mix this with care fresh (all together) to bulk this up and add more inches of substrate?
Of course you can :)))
Yes
+Faraaz Hussain Most probably yes
Such a clever idea, I may try this next winter to save myself needing to buy white Carefresh again, as I like to use it to make a snow affect in some areas of the cage.
This is great. I will probably use this for a litter box.
Is a cooker a stove (I'm from America)
Jessica Cyan Msp thx Jessica I'm Jessica
I can tell *puts in oven* you is that a stove??
Petlover 713 I am from America to
Jason Garner that profile picture is so cute I also have a robo
Deryn Genzlinger I don’t have a robo I have a dwarf but thanks I got it from the internet.
I’m doing this, so awesome! Is there any issue with things like magazines?
I filmed this video back in the beginning of December but only just got around to editing it, apologies for the delay! Who spotted Elizabeth causing trouble? :P
I'm going to fill a huge bin full of this :)
Can you put multiple batches in the washing machine? Or just one?
I laughed so hard when she said what are the cats doin?!?
0:22
Will this bedding be comfortable for guinea pigs?
Can you use recycled paper to make the hamster bedding?
Is the paper can be a bond paper?
Hi Erin thanks for sharing!my hamster really likes the bedding you shared!but I need some help my hamster doesn't like treats!how should I tame him?
my hamster was like thet try fresh food something like strawberries he/she may prefer something from there if not then try without treats it worried for me
I put the pillow case in with the blue clothes and got blue bedding! You can make any color, just washing it in with the color of clothes you want the bedding!
M G Coulter wtf
Dryer is pretty good, I’ve done it before and you’ll just have to dry it a few times depending on how much you make.
Tengo que hacerlo yo mismo. Acá en Colombia todo ese papel prensado es importado y sale carísimo. Buen canal. Gracias.
No tengo agua caliente. Solo en la ducha 😔
So I keep telling my perents that the hamster cage we have is too small,but they keep saying it's fine but it's really not what should I do?
try ur best to convince them shiw them easy diys or bigger cages if not y dont u save up
I have the same problem. I feel so guilty. I also feel like we don’t have enough bedding (hence why I’m here) I’m trying to figure out how to work with what I have.
Show them the video and pause it when the "a cage has to be 360 square inches" part has just been said and say "I'll let that sink in..."
I know I’m a little late, but if it’s still relevant to you or anyone else reading this, Erin has another video showing why you can’t have a small hamster cage using visuals and facts about hamsters. You just have to look it up either on RUclips or Google. This may help them understand, and you could suggest cage alternatives like bin cages.
Save up and buy a bigger cage
But Erin, I have a different kind of washing machine. What should I do?
I used the normal top load washing machine it works the same.. I used a mesh washing bag ..just let it spin for 10-15 minutes it should be okay
That is so clever! :)
thank you soo much srsly i was just about to make to bedding the old video method this literally saved me !!
Do you know if I can use paper towels for this ?
Love your videos Erin. 💖
"What are the cats doing......................................?"
I lost it LOL. Thank you so much for showing us this, Erin!!!
❤❤❤thank you!!! Can’t wait to try this!!!
How was it a accident
omg i was waiting for that !!!
Hey Erin,
I'm going to be making this substrate on the future, but before I do so is it okay to color it? But the color I'm going to be using is your recipe for the paint (The carrot, cabbage, and strawberry boiling thingy?) and mix it with the crushed paper (Wet) and let it dry?
Haha, a washing machine! Have you lost your mind? Just kidding. That is so entertaining! Lol! :P
This is such a better method thank u
Omg I definitely going to try this!
Can I use some printing paper and some tissue paper?
Can i use kitchen paper for this?
Can I use paper towel for this?
yes!
Could this bedding work for head hog?
this is a great idea I wanna to try to live a more sustainable lifestyle and was wondering if there was a way to use recycle paper (e.I. old newspaper/printer paper that had been printed on) and still have it be safe for hamsters?
Madi Wall no. The ink could harm your hamsters
Wow! I love it so creative!
And haha Elizbeth! 1st no one cares but😌
sounds great I'll do this tomorrow and I'll test the tumble dry method oh and can I use tissue and regular white paper I also have cardboard paper which is pepper made with a thin cardboard
I actually made it tonight in the tumble dryer and it came out fantastic
+muffin the hamster I mentioned you on insta gram of a pic of the bedding so u can see it! like the picture so I Know you saw it please
+muffin the hamster what settings did you use? and for how long? i'm so nervous to try it out lol
+pia mares I put it on high heat for 15 minutes and low heat for 15 minutes (if it's still damp repeat that step), oh and be sure the bag doesn't open I used a pillow case with a zipper on the end
muffin the hamster thank you!
How did u accidentally cook paper from the washing machine??😅😂
+Lee Jia Hua Ethan Lol I didn't, I just left a receipt in my jeans when I washed them and when I took them out of the machine I realised the mess it had left looked very similar to my homemade bedding from a few years ago. Once I made the bedding itself the cooker seemed like the obvious place to dry it quickly :)
WOW!! Amazing!!! This is soooo smart!
hello! i am in need of a Desperate Question!! Is Sopreash bedding safe?? its an oder controlled one and smells a bit strong, what do you think?
do you think newspaper is safe? I think it would be a great way to recycle
Ryleigh Shaw no as the inks are harmful x
can i use toilet paper??
Could we possibly use craft paper? From any generic brand? Or is there any way to change the color? I’m looking to make a Halloween themed cage for my little guinny
I tried a dryer and the bedding is awesome
Great! Now I can do that! :D (I don't trust myself with an oven as much as I do trust myself with a dryer
yeah I did it to it looks great still a little damp but will dry over night before I put it in the cage
Very cool! I love this!
love this video. might try this :) ly erin♡♥♡ u hv helped me so much with my hamsters :)
Hi @ErinsAnimals I make bedding this way and do use a tumble dryer. It works well, but I recommend not over-drying it otherwise it goes very hard. :D Keep an eye just as you would in the cooker. Hope that helps someone!
thx I might do this year yay!!!! my hamster would love that and I have a question do u have to use aspen?cause I don't....... so
+Savanna Jarrett Aspen is one of the only safe substrates we can get here other than wood pellets, the only other substrates we can get are all unsafe ones such as pine shavings. You don't have to use aspen though, if you want a list of safe and unsafe substrates I have a video on it here :) - ruclips.net/video/JIlr_n3IXK0/видео.html
+ErinsAnimals ok thx I was just wondering if u had to use it!:)
I tried it and it works good, I used only the washing machine and then put it out in the sun to dry. I tried it with cardboard too and that work just as good and its a lot cheaper. of coarse it turns out brown, tried it with paper towels and they don't ball up like paper and cardboard.
going to fill the mouse aquarium about half full to see if they build burrows.
Hi Erin o was thinking of doing a beach hamster cage theme and I have a giant conch shell. Would it be safe to use
Can you dye it with food dye and make colourful bedding?
Can you use toilet paper ?
BellaTheRussianDwarf Hamster the older video she has of diy bedding she used toilet paper
is it not better to just shred the paper and soak it in warm water till it has a weird texture and then let it dry in the air? does that make the bedding softer.. or is it not suitable for the use of bedding?
That was the method from my first tutorial many years ago and it takes a very long time, this method is much, much quicker :)
what apart from paper can you use to make the bedding
When i took the paper out of the washing machine it was slightly purple due to remaining fabric softener from the previous wash. Is it still safe?
Is it the same as the one victoria reachels resept
Tori uses commercially made bedding, so no a homemade version is not going to be the exact same :)
ErinsAnimals No she made a video on homeade recepie
can you do this with toilet paper?