*”HOW DO YOU CLEAN THIS ENCLOSURE? 🤨”* Noticing a few newbies who are curious about how hamster enclosures like this are kept clean so here’s a detailed (long) answer that should cover all your questions! 😜👇 We’re long past the days where full clean-outs or weekly clean-outs are a normal practice for hamster keeping, modern cleaning routines now focus on what is most beneficial for the hamster. Regularly destroying a hamster’s habitat/burrows and removing their scent from everything is not ideal and should be avoided when possible (though there are exceptions, like for medical necessity). These days most hamster owners maintain their enclosures through a combination of spot cleaning and partial cleaning (also known as the 1/4 method, 1/3 method, or German cleaning method). The frequency of spot cleans and partial cleans will depend on a few factors including; enclosure size, enclosure type, bedding type, climate, and unique individual needs/habits of the hamster. Larger enclosures are often easier to maintain than smaller enclosures, they need partial cleans less frequently and because they can hold much more substrate (which is the main odour control source) they usually smell cleaner for much longer. The bad smell associated with hamster enclosures comes from the build up of urine, if you have less substrate or a less absorbent substrate then that smell will appear more quickly. When hamsters are able to behave in a natural way they will usually (though not always) choose a specific area in their enclosure to use for urinating, this could be an open corner or inside a particular house/shelter. If your hamster has a dedicated toilet this will make smell even easier to manage as you can clean this area out as often as needed and the overall smell will be minimal or non-existent. Hamsters will leave dropping all over their enclosure, but these do not have a noticeable odour as they are typically comprised of seeds, grains, plants and insects. Droppings can be taken care of by *spot cleaning*, which can be done as often as needed. Some people choose to spot clean daily, some may do it once or twice a week. *Spot cleaning* is a light cleaning of the upper surface of the habitat, it does not usually include replacing any substrate. *Spot cleaning* may include cleaning out the pee-area, wiping down the wheel, wiping down exposed platforms, washing water and fresh food bowls, and a light tidying up of the area. *“Big cleans”* or *"Partial cleans"* may be done once a month for smaller enclosures, or once every few months for larger enclosures. A partial clean typically involves removing only 1/3 or 1/4 of the main substrate and replacing it with clean substrate. Each partial clean focuses on a different section of the enclosure. For example, the first time you clean the left 1/3, the second time you clean the central 1/3, and the third time you clean the right 1/3. Then start the loop over from the beginning. This method allows for the majority of the habitat/burrows to remain intact and undisturbed while ensuring that all used substrate is eventually replaced. For large enclosures that only get a “big clean” every few months, an additional practice of *Surface cleaning* or *Top cleaning* might be implemented as well to maintain both the cleanliness and tidiness of an enclosure. These can be done once a month, or at the halfway point between big cleans. Top cleaning is very similar to spot cleaning with the additional task of removing the top 2cm (1inch) of substrate and replacing it with clean substrate. Top cleaning is not necessary if the enclosure is small and the time between “big cleans” is less than 6 weeks. So to summarise, hamster enclosures are kept clean through a combination of: · *Spot Cleaning* · *Top Cleaning* · *Partial Cleaning* 🐹 *My Cleaning Routine* 🐹 My personal preference for keeping the enclosures clean and odour-free, while working in the best interests of the hamster, is to spot clean 1-2 times a week, top clean once a month, and do a “big clean” once every 3 months. Spot cleaning takes about 10 minutes, top cleaning takes about 30 minutes, and partial cleans usually take about an hour. We spend about €25 every 3 months on substrate for one enclosure (approx €8 a month), so while the first set up of a large enclosure can be expensive, the long-term maintenance usually isn’t. Keeping a large enclosure clean and odour-free does not need to be time consuming or expensive, and often times it is more budget-friendly than a smaller enclosure. You can find lots of videos online demonstrating how to spot and partial clean, and you can also turn to hamster forums for more guidance and advice 😄🐹 . 🤫PS: There are lots of helpful hamster care resources linked in the video description, if you're new to hamster keeping it's a good idea to bookmark them so you can always locate them quickly and easily! .
@@SomethingAnimal wow. I have never had hamsters (I am not even sure if we have them in Australia) but I have had heaps of mice and rats. I always assumed they were similar. They do look like tailless mice!
Loving all the textures used in the bedding. I can just tell that the animal won't ever be seriously bored being able to inspect and touch so many objects.
at first I was confused about the amount of flat wood over the bedding but I knew you had something in mind... I was amazed watching this all come together and I love your use of all the beddings!! looks SUPER cozy, amazing as always!!!
I’ve been watching you since I was in middle school (I’m a junior in college now) and the way that your craftsmanship and cage builds/designs/layouts have improved over the years is nothing less than phenomenal. it amazes me that you have improved so much, because even when I was in middle school I thought your cage builds were absolutely amazing! i particularly love this build, its chock full of little secrets and treats for your little hammy guy as well as SO much space for burrowing 😍😍 You are an inspiration, Oliver. Thank you for bringing us along on this journey!
Forget hamster I wanna live there! Ok but this takes my top spot for favourite enclosure you have made. All the texture and plants and it’s just beautiful
I've been following you since I was a child, for nearly a decade. My favourite hamster channel then and now. You've taught me so much and helped me provide my hamsters good care even when I couldn't afford much of the supplies from the stores. This setup is one of the coolest setups that I've seen. You've, as always, outdone yourself with this one.
While I love your videos where you chat with us and tell us what is going on, this was a wonderfully soothing and relaxing experience. It was so cool to see Lotus just walk into a new enclosure with no fear at all.
That’s not a hamster enclosure, it’s a work of art! It’s absolutely beautiful, I wish I could create something as amazing as this for my hammy. But she will just have to make do with her messy clutter 🤣
I didn’t know I secretly wished I was a hamster, dang. This is spectacular! Truly premium housing for this little guy, I know I’m anthropomorphizing him but I swear he looks excited at the end there! ❤🎉
Your diy skills, creativity and attention to detail are truly unmatched! Your hamsters are some of the luckiest in the world, youve outdone yourself again :) (and your video production quality is incredible as well!)
I have never wanted to be a hamster so much. This is just how small caged animals should be treated, with freedom to explore, rather than just in a tiny cage. I am guilty of this as a kid. This hamster will never get bored.
As always. Absolutely outstanding. You're an incredible cage designer. You inspired me to think outside the box to create a countryside theme for my Hamilton. I'm a crafter but not the diy genius you are. You show us how to create and what to use. Thank you a million times over for your honest and very clever videos
Thank you for this video. Yesterday was the lsst day of the old me. I'm not overweight but i suffer from chronic pain. Only about 50%, maybe less, of my diet has been healthy. But today its time to take my life back. I appreciate your video.
INCREDIBLE!!!! the amount of effort and work that went into this is astounding, comes together with such whimsical charm. well done you! you must post the diy tutorials (even silent i love this style of content of yours) 🥰
I am again in awe of your creativity. This is so cozy. Thank you for sharing. I really needed this today. Now I am going to watch it again. Thank you!!
Sooo lovely! I see a lot of crafting and building ideas, you already made such an amazing home for your Hamster. Thank you for showing animal friendly ideas , greetings from Germany. 🙋🏼♀️ Anna& Chilli 🐹
usually when youtube recommends habitat builds i am usually distressed. they generally are made so that a person can enjoy the company of a hamster or so that an audience can be pleased with the look of the build with the animal's needs barely considered or not considered at all. this is a very different build; this looks like it was made for the comfort and pleasure of the _hamster_ not just for humans. it is refreshing and heartening to see. i am glad i was recommended this video
Thank you! When designing these set ups our hamsters' needs are always the first priority, everything is designed to be functional first (and when possible multi-functional) and then the aesthetic is made to fit the function rather than the other way around. I find that the easiest way to design an enclosure is to follow a checklist of activities and need; - Burrowing - Nesting - Digging - Bathing - Cardio - Strength - Puzzles - Foraging - Hiding / Safety - Clambering / Climbing - level variation - Chewing - Tactile Texture - Olfactory - Taste - Exploration. Once all those have been checked off you can choose the colour, theme and design of each item to suit your own preference and the end result should be a set up that is enriching for your hamster to live in and enjoyable for you to look at. It takes a little more time and thought to pull it together but it's worth it!
The only simliarity my hammie enclosure has with yours is the 8 inch Niteangel wheel. 😅 Yours is a luxury estate compared to mine. Loved this setup and lighting
*”HOW DO YOU CLEAN THIS ENCLOSURE? 🤨”*
Noticing a few newbies who are curious about how hamster enclosures like this are kept clean so here’s a detailed (long) answer that should cover all your questions! 😜👇
We’re long past the days where full clean-outs or weekly clean-outs are a normal practice for hamster keeping, modern cleaning routines now focus on what is most beneficial for the hamster. Regularly destroying a hamster’s habitat/burrows and removing their scent from everything is not ideal and should be avoided when possible (though there are exceptions, like for medical necessity). These days most hamster owners maintain their enclosures through a combination of spot cleaning and partial cleaning (also known as the 1/4 method, 1/3 method, or German cleaning method). The frequency of spot cleans and partial cleans will depend on a few factors including; enclosure size, enclosure type, bedding type, climate, and unique individual needs/habits of the hamster.
Larger enclosures are often easier to maintain than smaller enclosures, they need partial cleans less frequently and because they can hold much more substrate (which is the main odour control source) they usually smell cleaner for much longer.
The bad smell associated with hamster enclosures comes from the build up of urine, if you have less substrate or a less absorbent substrate then that smell will appear more quickly. When hamsters are able to behave in a natural way they will usually (though not always) choose a specific area in their enclosure to use for urinating, this could be an open corner or inside a particular house/shelter. If your hamster has a dedicated toilet this will make smell even easier to manage as you can clean this area out as often as needed and the overall smell will be minimal or non-existent.
Hamsters will leave dropping all over their enclosure, but these do not have a noticeable odour as they are typically comprised of seeds, grains, plants and insects. Droppings can be taken care of by *spot cleaning*, which can be done as often as needed.
Some people choose to spot clean daily, some may do it once or twice a week. *Spot cleaning* is a light cleaning of the upper surface of the habitat, it does not usually include replacing any substrate. *Spot cleaning* may include cleaning out the pee-area, wiping down the wheel, wiping down exposed platforms, washing water and fresh food bowls, and a light tidying up of the area.
*“Big cleans”* or *"Partial cleans"* may be done once a month for smaller enclosures, or once every few months for larger enclosures. A partial clean typically involves removing only 1/3 or 1/4 of the main substrate and replacing it with clean substrate. Each partial clean focuses on a different section of the enclosure. For example, the first time you clean the left 1/3, the second time you clean the central 1/3, and the third time you clean the right 1/3. Then start the loop over from the beginning. This method allows for the majority of the habitat/burrows to remain intact and undisturbed while ensuring that all used substrate is eventually replaced.
For large enclosures that only get a “big clean” every few months, an additional practice of *Surface cleaning* or *Top cleaning* might be implemented as well to maintain both the cleanliness and tidiness of an enclosure. These can be done once a month, or at the halfway point between big cleans. Top cleaning is very similar to spot cleaning with the additional task of removing the top 2cm (1inch) of substrate and replacing it with clean substrate. Top cleaning is not necessary if the enclosure is small and the time between “big cleans” is less than 6 weeks.
So to summarise, hamster enclosures are kept clean through a combination of:
· *Spot Cleaning*
· *Top Cleaning*
· *Partial Cleaning*
🐹 *My Cleaning Routine* 🐹
My personal preference for keeping the enclosures clean and odour-free, while working in the best interests of the hamster, is to spot clean 1-2 times a week, top clean once a month, and do a “big clean” once every 3 months. Spot cleaning takes about 10 minutes, top cleaning takes about 30 minutes, and partial cleans usually take about an hour. We spend about €25 every 3 months on substrate for one enclosure (approx €8 a month), so while the first set up of a large enclosure can be expensive, the long-term maintenance usually isn’t.
Keeping a large enclosure clean and odour-free does not need to be time consuming or expensive, and often times it is more budget-friendly than a smaller enclosure. You can find lots of videos online demonstrating how to spot and partial clean, and you can also turn to hamster forums for more guidance and advice 😄🐹
.
🤫PS: There are lots of helpful hamster care resources linked in the video description, if you're new to hamster keeping it's a good idea to bookmark them so you can always locate them quickly and easily!
.
@@SomethingAnimal wow. I have never had hamsters (I am not even sure if we have them in Australia) but I have had heaps of mice and rats. I always assumed they were similar. They do look like tailless mice!
Thank you! Just scrolled down here to see if anyone had this answer
@@SomethingAnimal thank you sharing this for us newbies 🐹
I needed more time to watch hammy explore 😭
Nvm I found your next video 🥰
@@pamembree4102 probably destroyed it within minutes
the way everything is measured and fits in *so* perfectly and snugly is so so pleasing to watch
This enclosure is actually a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and creativity. He’s a lucky ham
Loving all the textures used in the bedding. I can just tell that the animal won't ever be seriously bored being able to inspect and touch so many objects.
when i die i want to come back as one of your hamsters.
Oh, to be Lotus. His home is marvellous. You always put in so much love and care into your enclosure builds and I love seeing them ❤
WAKE UP EVERYONE Something Animal JUST POSTED
🥳🥳🥳
@@LT.OpBoar-x1b I was late! (Aww man)
at first I was confused about the amount of flat wood over the bedding but I knew you had something in mind... I was amazed watching this all come together and I love your use of all the beddings!! looks SUPER cozy, amazing as always!!!
Thank you! 😁
I never realized there were so many bedding to use. Beautiful enclosure.
Ollie, it looks great! So much to explore!
Ps. I must admit that I prefer when you’re chatting with us, but it was still nice hanging out ❤️👍
Thanks! I also prefer chatty videos, I'll have to film some more soon! 😊
If only we had tiny cameras to see the goings on inside this amazing hamster homestead. Love the design and thoughtful construction! ❤🙏❤
That's one spoiled fur baby. I always love watching your cage set up videos.
The way everything slot together ✨️perfectly✨️ was sooo satisfying 😌 This is absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you! 😁
I’ve been watching you since I was in middle school (I’m a junior in college now) and the way that your craftsmanship and cage builds/designs/layouts have improved over the years is nothing less than phenomenal. it amazes me that you have improved so much, because even when I was in middle school I thought your cage builds were absolutely amazing! i particularly love this build, its chock full of little secrets and treats for your little hammy guy as well as SO much space for burrowing 😍😍 You are an inspiration, Oliver. Thank you for bringing us along on this journey!
Forget hamster I wanna live there!
Ok but this takes my top spot for favourite enclosure you have made. All the texture and plants and it’s just beautiful
This is the best thing I've seen on RUclips in a very long time. It's so peaceful.
I've been following you since I was a child, for nearly a decade. My favourite hamster channel then and now. You've taught me so much and helped me provide my hamsters good care even when I couldn't afford much of the supplies from the stores. This setup is one of the coolest setups that I've seen. You've, as always, outdone yourself with this one.
While I love your videos where you chat with us and tell us what is going on, this was a wonderfully soothing and relaxing experience. It was so cool to see Lotus just walk into a new enclosure with no fear at all.
That’s not a hamster enclosure, it’s a work of art! It’s absolutely beautiful, I wish I could create something as amazing as this for my hammy. But she will just have to make do with her messy clutter 🤣
Cage ASMR 🤗 So satisfying how you made it look effortless fitting together perfectly. That is one VIP hammy with all that real estate! 💜
I didn’t know I secretly wished I was a hamster, dang. This is spectacular! Truly premium housing for this little guy, I know I’m anthropomorphizing him but I swear he looks excited at the end there! ❤🎉
That is the most awesome small pet set up I have ever seen!
That is amazing your hammies are so lucky to have an amazing human Daddy who loves them so much ❤️ 💜 💖
Thank you! 😊❤️
OMG HAMSTER DIY HAMSTERLAND GOALS!!! 😮😍👏🏻❤️🐹🐾🏡🙌🏼
most beautiful cage ive ever seen
Imagine being a hamster and exploring this for the first time. Actual magic.🍄🌾🐹🪵
this is artttt. it’s so beautiful and ur hamster looks so happy in it
Your diy skills, creativity and attention to detail are truly unmatched! Your hamsters are some of the luckiest in the world, youve outdone yourself again :) (and your video production quality is incredible as well!)
I absolutely love this setup!! My daughter and I agree that you are the absolute best at creating diy's!!
I love the way you set up the lil fur kids homes...
I have never wanted to be a hamster so much. This is just how small caged animals should be treated, with freedom to explore, rather than just in a tiny cage. I am guilty of this as a kid. This hamster will never get bored.
That is a work of art! It is seriously the nicest hamster enclosure I have seen! Well done!
I would love to watch that baby explore his home for longer…please? X
ruclips.net/video/CCBcsnX3PIo/видео.htmlsi=RQdh_uvqh5DbMFLJ
He's the happiest little boy!❤ When I saw him explore and sandbath I couldn't help myself not to tear up🥹
The amount of textures and substrate!! So much enrichment. I'd love this if I was a hamster
As always, it's gorgeous!! Nobody does it better!! ❤😊
Thank you so much! 😊
This was so therapeutic to watch ❤ the work you put into that hamster enclosure is beyond phenomenal ❤ thanks for sharing 🥰
THIS IS THE BEST ENCLOSURE I HAVE LEGIT EVER FEASTED MY EYE UPON!!!!!
So many textures!
I tried to prioritise texture a little more in this one as I feel like my past set up haven't had enough of it, I'm quite happy with the turnout 😊
Oh my gosh! What a stunning enclosure!
Every design detail is HAMAZING!!!!!✨🎉🥹
The way everything fits so perfectly in place 😚🤌
thank uou for explaining WHY compression is important in bedding. beautiful vid!
HOW LOVING
I wish they’d had those silent hamster wheels forty years ago! 😅Looks amazing by the way. Hamster paradise.
As always. Absolutely outstanding. You're an incredible cage designer. You inspired me to think outside the box to create a countryside theme for my Hamilton. I'm a crafter but not the diy genius you are. You show us how to create and what to use. Thank you a million times over for your honest and very clever videos
I can not describe just how happy these videos make me
This is INCREDIBLE! It's evident how much thought and care is put into creating such a thoroughly enriching and adorable setup!
You are a real pet owner!!🥰🥰
Thank you for this video. Yesterday was the lsst day of the old me. I'm not overweight but i suffer from chronic pain. Only about 50%, maybe less, of my diet has been healthy. But today its time to take my life back. I appreciate your video.
So beautifully done. Such a sweet cage…❤
Amazing! The final result is perfect!😃👍🏻
It's such a beautiful setup!! Love it! 😍
Yay 🎉 ❤😊 Cheers to your creativity !!
You make me wish i was a hamster 😂
Thank you! 😊
INCREDIBLE!!!! the amount of effort and work that went into this is astounding, comes together with such whimsical charm. well done you! you must post the diy tutorials (even silent i love this style of content of yours) 🥰
So beautiful! Little hamster living its best life!
Great! I love it! So much details, so much hard work! 😱🤩🥰
Coolest hamster cage ever. If I was a hamster, I would love that!
You have outdone yourself with this one, oh my god!! Absolutely beautiful, what a lucky hamster and lucky you being able to see that every day!
You’re so clever and crafty! What a lucky hamster to have you as an owner. Love your channel so much!!
This is the most beautiful cage setup I have ever seen 😊
This looks incredible! Please post videos of Lotus exploring!
Thank you! There'll be a video of him exploring coming in a couple of days 😁
All this is for ONE hamster?
Your cages are always so beautiful 😍💖
That is adorable, one of my hammys used to watch telly with us and the rabbit!
That is so cool. Real luxury for a little friend
This is a truly amazing!😻 what a lucky hamster 🐹
I am again in awe of your creativity. This is so cozy. Thank you for sharing. I really needed this today. Now I am going to watch it again. Thank you!!
this is one of the best videos i think ive ever seen
What a very lucky hamster or two ,
omg i love every single thing about this. the effort and time you put into your setups is so great!
❤ great enclosure and lots of preparing for the little guy
this is a masterpiece!! cant wait for the ham’s tour video!
Man..this hamster has a better home than me 😂
You are so creative!! 🥰
Thank you 🥰
Sooo lovely! I see a lot of crafting and building ideas, you already made such an amazing home for your Hamster. Thank you for showing animal friendly ideas , greetings from Germany. 🙋🏼♀️ Anna& Chilli 🐹
Most beautiful hamster cage I have ever seen.
This was so satisfying to watch
usually when youtube recommends habitat builds i am usually distressed. they generally are made so that a person can enjoy the company of a hamster or so that an audience can be pleased with the look of the build with the animal's needs barely considered or not considered at all. this is a very different build; this looks like it was made for the comfort and pleasure of the _hamster_ not just for humans. it is refreshing and heartening to see. i am glad i was recommended this video
Thank you! When designing these set ups our hamsters' needs are always the first priority, everything is designed to be functional first (and when possible multi-functional) and then the aesthetic is made to fit the function rather than the other way around.
I find that the easiest way to design an enclosure is to follow a checklist of activities and need;
- Burrowing - Nesting - Digging - Bathing - Cardio - Strength - Puzzles - Foraging - Hiding / Safety - Clambering / Climbing - level variation - Chewing - Tactile Texture - Olfactory - Taste - Exploration.
Once all those have been checked off you can choose the colour, theme and design of each item to suit your own preference and the end result should be a set up that is enriching for your hamster to live in and enjoyable for you to look at. It takes a little more time and thought to pull it together but it's worth it!
Oh his little face when you put him in!!! 😍 "Is all this for me!?" 🥹
Must be the happiest hamster 🐹
So cute! It’s got a little Hobbiton/Last of the Summer Wine vibes
Waaaaw amazing habitat
This is so beautiful, thank you for sharing this.
Omg I’m so excited about this
I’ve been waiting for this post 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 it’s utterly amazing, I adore everything, Ollie you’re brilliant
Omg that is AMAZING! 🤩 Heck even id live there 😂 such a cool, unique cage setup/design & decorations
This is so beautiful 🥹 I stick the sprays directly in the bedding, like a barbarian! Wish I had the time and working space to make something like this
Cutest hamster cage ever
That was pretty amazing. Great job!
That is the most beautiful set up i EVER saw! I could cryyyy, I wish I'd be so talented!
Maybe I'm just desperate for fall but this is giving me heavy over the garden wall vibes🥰
pure talent and creativity! always so impressed. Lucky hammy for sure!!
I just love it, your so creative. I would love to do something like this for all my babies. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next.💖
Too cute, i want more video whit baby 🥰😍this instalation are incradible !!! Wouaw
Love forward to seen your videos sooo much!!! So excited when you post! They are a work of art ❤
The only simliarity my hammie enclosure has with yours is the 8 inch Niteangel wheel. 😅 Yours is a luxury estate compared to mine. Loved this setup and lighting
Truly amazing. I wish I had half your talent at creating these wonderful things.
Reminds me how fun it is to set up hamster cages 😊
It was so much fun, and such a relaxing task 😊
@@SomethingAnimal I find creating new cage set ups satisfying and rewarding too 😊☺️
Been spending most my life in a Hamster's paradise.....
Good gosh. Now I feel sad for all the hamsters I had when I was a kid. This setup is AMAZING!