*”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!
@@pamembree4102 Ahhh,before reading the comments, I typed basically the same comment as you. Thank you for informing us that there was another video following this one. searching for it now.
Wow the amount of cute diy projects that went into this is INSANE! Hamsters aren’t rlly my jam but I admire the love you have for them and all the care you put into their enclosures :))
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.
I just found your channel and they showed me as much as I dream of having a hamster I’m not ready. I would not be able to give it everything it needs . But it gives me a goal to save and hope for one day.
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!
Absolutely fantastic. This setup is an absolute dream- except I know that that wood material is something that will 100% flare up allergies for me (which is why I don't have one as a pet, sadly). Will show this video for sure to all pet owners I know- this is how you keep a pet happy! Will live vicariously through this video at least.
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.
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.
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 🤣
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!)
Holy moley, that setup is something else! I am very curious how much that set you back, and how much your hammy uses the entire thing. Enclosures have come quite a long way since I was a kid! Our poor hamsters had a tiny wire cage with a wheel, bedding, food bowl, and water bottle. Sad we didn't know better!
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.
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! ❤🎉
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) 🥰
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 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!!
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.
Looks great. Did you make the items like platforms, houses, hides, , river ectopic? Do you have a list of substrates? My hampster Dragline love having g places to go.
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 🐹
I love this Enclosure, Ollie. May I ask what kind of wood shavings you are using, I am in the UK and can only find those pine ones, so I am using paper based substrate but would prefer wood shavings.
*”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 🐹
@@SomethingAnimal I’m fascinated!! Your approach is mindful of the hamsters natural behaviours and needs. I learned so much, thank you
I needed more time to watch hammy explore 😭
Nvm I found your next video 🥰
@@pamembree4102 probably destroyed it within minutes
@@pamembree4102 Ahhh,before reading the comments, I typed basically the same comment as you. Thank you for informing us that there was another video following this one. searching for it now.
the way everything is measured and fits in *so* perfectly and snugly is so so pleasing to watch
Wow the amount of cute diy projects that went into this is INSANE! Hamsters aren’t rlly my jam but I admire the love you have for them and all the care you put into their enclosures :))
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.
I just found your channel and they showed me as much as I dream of having a hamster I’m not ready. I would not be able to give it everything it needs . But it gives me a goal to save and hope for one day.
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.
Gives me “we’re off to see the wizard!” Vibes, pretty Setup and well done😂
WAKE UP EVERYONE Something Animal JUST POSTED
🥳🥳🥳
@@LT.OpBoar-x1b I was late! (Aww man)
@@LT.OpBoar-x1b I came as soon as posable
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 ❤
If only we had tiny cameras to see the goings on inside this amazing hamster homestead. Love the design and thoughtful construction! ❤🙏❤
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! 😊
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!
Absolutely fantastic. This setup is an absolute dream- except I know that that wood material is something that will 100% flare up allergies for me (which is why I don't have one as a pet, sadly). Will show this video for sure to all pet owners I know- this is how you keep a pet happy! Will live vicariously through this video at least.
That's one spoiled fur baby. I always love watching your cage set up videos.
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.
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.
This was so therapeutic to watch ❤ the work you put into that hamster enclosure is beyond phenomenal ❤ thanks for sharing 🥰
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 🤣
This is the best thing I've seen on TH-cam in a very long time. It's so peaceful.
This is INCREDIBLE! It's evident how much thought and care is put into creating such a thoroughly enriching and adorable setup!
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!)
Cage ASMR 🤗 So satisfying how you made it look effortless fitting together perfectly. That is one VIP hammy with all that real estate! 💜
Holy moley, that setup is something else! I am very curious how much that set you back, and how much your hammy uses the entire thing. Enclosures have come quite a long way since I was a kid! Our poor hamsters had a tiny wire cage with a wheel, bedding, food bowl, and water bottle. Sad we didn't know better!
That is amazing your hammies are so lucky to have an amazing human Daddy who loves them so much ❤️ 💜 💖
Thank you! 😊❤️
That is a work of art! It is seriously the nicest hamster enclosure I have seen! Well done!
this is artttt. it’s so beautiful and ur hamster looks so happy in it
I absolutely love this setup!! My daughter and I agree that you are the absolute best at creating diy's!!
Imagine being a hamster and exploring this for the first time. Actual magic.🍄🌾🐹🪵
That is the most awesome small pet set up I have ever seen!
OMG HAMSTER DIY HAMSTERLAND GOALS!!! 😮😍👏🏻❤️🐹🐾🏡🙌🏼
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.
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! ❤🎉
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) 🥰
most beautiful cage ive ever seen
As always, it's gorgeous!! Nobody does it better!! ❤😊
Thank you so much! 😊
I love the way you set up the lil fur kids homes...
The amount of textures and substrate!! So much enrichment. I'd love this if I was a hamster
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
He's the happiest little boy!❤ When I saw him explore and sandbath I couldn't help myself not to tear up🥹
Oh my gosh! What a stunning enclosure!
Amazing! The final result is perfect!😃👍🏻
THIS IS THE BEST ENCLOSURE I HAVE LEGIT EVER FEASTED MY EYE UPON!!!!!
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!
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 😊
thank uou for explaining WHY compression is important in bedding. beautiful vid!
Das ist mega enspannt und sehr schön eingerichtet.Ich bekomme diesen Monat auch ein Hamster und freue mich darauf den Käfig ein zu richten
You are a real pet owner!!🥰🥰
So beautifully done. Such a sweet cage…❤
omg i love every single thing about this. the effort and time you put into your setups is so great!
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!!
You’re so clever and crafty! What a lucky hamster to have you as an owner. Love your channel so much!!
Every design detail is HAMAZING!!!!!✨🎉🥹
You have the most beautiful and creative cages for sure. So soothing to watch. Thanks for posting! I always look forward to your videos!!
Thank you for watching! 😊
I can not describe just how happy these videos make me
It's incredible, luxurious and just WOW
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.
The way everything fits so perfectly in place 😚🤌
So beautiful! Little hamster living its best life!
It's such a beautiful setup!! Love it! 😍
Great! I love it! So much details, so much hard work! 😱🤩🥰
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
This is the most beautiful cage setup I have ever seen 😊
Most beautiful hamster cage I have ever seen.
This is a truly amazing!😻 what a lucky hamster 🐹
I wish they’d had those silent hamster wheels forty years ago! 😅Looks amazing by the way. Hamster paradise.
Looks great. Did you make the items like platforms, houses, hides,
, river ectopic? Do you have a list of substrates? My hampster Dragline love having g places to go.
pure talent and creativity! always so impressed. Lucky hammy for sure!!
Your cages are always so beautiful 😍💖
this is one of the best videos i think ive ever seen
That is the most beautiful set up i EVER saw! I could cryyyy, I wish I'd be so talented!
this is a masterpiece!! cant wait for the ham’s tour video!
This was great! You’re a great parent❤
I would love to watch that baby explore his home for longer…please? X
th-cam.com/video/CCBcsnX3PIo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=RQdh_uvqh5DbMFLJ
This is so beautiful, thank you for sharing this.
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?
Love forward to seen your videos sooo much!!! So excited when you post! They are a work of art ❤
I love it!!! 🤩
Thank you! 😁
This was so satisfying to watch
Omg I’m so excited about this
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 🐹
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.💖
That is adorable, one of my hammys used to watch telly with us and the rabbit!
Yay 🎉 ❤😊 Cheers to your creativity !!
You make me wish i was a hamster 😂
Thank you! 😊
Must be the happiest hamster 🐹
Truly amazing. I wish I had half your talent at creating these wonderful things.
That is so cool. Real luxury for a little friend
Coolest hamster cage ever. If I was a hamster, I would love that!
What a very lucky hamster or two ,
Waaaaw amazing habitat
I’ve been waiting for this post 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 it’s utterly amazing, I adore everything, Ollie you’re brilliant
❤ great enclosure and lots of preparing for the little guy
Maybe I'm just desperate for fall but this is giving me heavy over the garden wall vibes🥰
I love this Enclosure, Ollie. May I ask what kind of wood shavings you are using, I am in the UK and can only find those pine ones, so I am using paper based substrate but would prefer wood shavings.
You are so creative!! 🥰
Thank you 🥰
Wow 😮 the thought and creativity is simply amazing ❤ one very very lucky ham ❤❤ x
Omg that is AMAZING! 🤩 Heck even id live there 😂 such a cool, unique cage setup/design & decorations