Laboratory caging preference in golden hamsters (Mesocericetus auratus) (1994)

Arnold, C. E., Estep, D. Q.

Abstract

Most hamsters preferred the solid floored cage with litter, but prolonged experience on wire led to a wire floored cage preference in 40% of these animals. ... Perhaps [many] hamsters find nothing natural about plastic cages with [corn-cob] litter bedding, even though humans think they might make an adequate substitute.