Best Bedding for rodents

Special bathing sands or normal bird sand can be used for the bathing area. The latter is often additionally mixed with anise, which is non-toxic and also fragrant for animals. Important for sands for small animals is that only fine sand is harmless. When swallowed, for example after cleaning, coarse sand often settles in the stomach and causes digestive problems

For the cage floor of most rodent habitats, bedding consisting of wood chips, pellets or softwood is suitable. However, pellets are usually unpleasant for the soft soles of the animals’ feet and difficult for very small species and offspring to walk on, as the legs sink in between the pellets. Softwood looks like the bark mulch used on flower beds. However, it is rid of vermin, bacteria and other health risks. Here the impression of naturalness is created and many terrarium inhabitants feel comfortable on the wood, but for sensitive paws that move on the ground, this bedding is not really suitable. Wood shavings are probably the most frequently used litter. It combines all the advantages of a soft bedding with the hygiene of a sterile floor filling. Chips are rarely swallowed, do not smell too strongly of wood and are additionally absorbent

The absorbency is especially important where the animals urinate and deposit excrement. Some types bury their bequests. For these breeds it is important that the litter is mobile and can be sieved. Guinea pigs and hamsters lay out a toilet corner for themselves, which must be cleaned daily by the owner. Under the chosen bedding there should be a bowl which can be washed with water or a layer of newsprint. Furthermore, the bedding in the toilet area must not be edible. Straw and hay, which can otherwise cover the entire cage’s soil layer, must not lie here

For animals and people who are particularly susceptible to dust and grass, there are different types of bedding. As bedding for rodents, hemp bedding is particularly popular. In contrast to straw and hay, it is less dusty. Vermin such as mites do not settle on hemp, so the cage itself remains hygienically clean. Cotton litter is ideal for small rodents and animals with offspring. Cotton-fibres are used by rodents, small animals and birds gladly for the development of a sleep-nest. The offspring can also be stored safely and gently in this way. Cotton should only be used in small areas of the cage and only where there is no toilet. Both hemp and cotton are usually somewhat more expensive, but fulfill their purpose for the welfare of the animal outstanding.