Emma Jones
The litter forms the basis of every small animal enclosure. With the right choice, the animals feel comfortable, hygiene is guaranteed and the animal owner has as little trouble as possible when cleaning. We present various bedding options for rabbits and co.
The right bedding in the enclosure of rabbits, guinea pigs, and Co. is important so that the animals feel really comfortable with you. There are many different offers of different types of bedding for small animals. We compared seven types of bedding.
The assessment is based on our own experiences, opinions of pet owners, and consultations in the pet shop and relates to the keeping of guinea pigs and rabbits in the home. In general, it can be said that every litter has advantages and disadvantages. The animal owner has to weigh up how much money he can spend and what is important to him, e.g. good looks, ease of transport, or design of the enclosure appropriate to the species.
Softwood litter with a citrus scent
The softwood litter with a citrus scent is the scented version of the common wooden litter that is available everywhere. In terms of dust generation and absorbency, it is identical to unperfumed litter. Both are easy to transport and space-saving because they are strongly pressed. However, the scent of citrus is controversial and unsuitable for small animal litter.
- Absorbency: very good
- Durability: medium to long
- Optics: neat
- Dust generation: very high
- Price range: low
- Negative point: the smell of citrus irritates small animals’ noses, litter gets stuck in long fur, perfumed litter is unsuitable
- Buying sources: supermarket, pet shop, hardware store
- Animal friendliness: 2/5 points
Gimborn Pellets
Less well known, but quite an alternative to wood shavings, are Gimborn Pellets. The pellets break down when wet and the “pee spots” can be easily cleaned with a shovel. Good experiences with guinea pigs. No single litter, extra litter is necessary.
- Absorbency: good
- Durability: medium
- Optics: needs getting used to
- Dust generation: low
- Price range: low to medium
- Minus point: relatively high weight, hard
- Buying sources: Pet shops
- Animal friendliness: with bedding 4/5 points
Hemp litter
Hemp bedding is high-quality natural bedding popular among small animal professionals. It binds odors very well and is relatively light, which is an advantage when purchasing and also when disposing of it. Alone bedding or with straw as bedding.
- Absorbency: good to very good
- Durability: long
- Optics: neat
- Dust generation: low
- Price range: medium to high
- Minus point: relatively expensive, somewhat sharp-edged, hangs in long fur
- Buying sources: Pet shops
- Animal friendliness: 4/5 points
Softwood litter
Softwood litter is the most common bedding for rodent cages. The looser-packed variety is easier to handle because it’s not as lumpy and also slightly less dusty than the more heavily pressed alternative.
- Absorbency: very good
- Durability: medium to long
- Optics: neat
- Dust development: medium to strong
- Price: low
- Cons: Gets stuck in longer and curly fur
- Buying sources: Pet shops, hardware store
- Animal friendliness: 3/5 points
Straw
Straw as the sole bedding is not recommended because of the rapid soaking. However, a thick layer of straw as bedding is fun for the little residents and, in addition to hay, provides woodchip for digestion. Make sure, however, that the straw is untreated and not chopped.
- Absorbency: moderate
- Durability: medium
- Appearance: friendly, natural
- Dust generation: low
- Price range: low to medium
- Negative point: Rarely injured by sharp stalks
- Buying sources: Pet shops, supermarkets, farms
- Animal friendliness: as bedding 5/5 points
Bedding
Some companies also offer special bedding products. In addition to wood chips, they usually contain e.g. pieces of bark, moss, or leaves. Experience has shown that this is a nice change for the animals. Litter provides an interesting paw feel but is too expensive for large enclosures.
- Absorbency: good
- Durability: medium to long
- Optics: natural
- Dust generation: medium
- Price: medium to high
- Minus point: relatively expensive, not suitable as a single litter
- Buying sources: Pet shops, supermarkets, hardware stores
- Animal friendliness: with bedding 4/5 points
Bark mulch
When it comes to bark mulch as bedding, opinions are divided. This litter is quite hard and not very suitable as a litter for small animals. But a good idea is partial bedding for the varied designs of the enclosure.
- Absorbency: moderate
- Durability: medium
- Optics: natural
- Dust generation: low
- Price: medium
- Minus point: hard, stains heavily
- Buying sources: Pet shops
- Animal friendliness: as a supplement to other bedding 3/5 points
Litter for hamsters, mice & co.
For small rodents that like to dig and dig, types of litter that are not too hard are recommended. You should therefore refrain from pellets and mulch unless you use the hard litter in places to design the enclosure.
Softwood shavings or hemp seem to work well for hamsters and mice. You can also use extra litter (e.g. straw). Make sure, however, that the litter is as dust-free as possible. Quite a few rodents (even the larger ones) suffer from dust allergies.