What type of bedding should i use for my pet rats?

Question

I have 2 pet rats and i don't think they like the bedding i am using right now it is wood shavings every time i put new shavings in she always moves it out of under her play toys where she sleeps so now i want to know what type of bedding to use can any one help me out

Answer 1

AVOID pine and cedar. They are toxic and can cause liver damage. Use Carefresh, Aspen, or Eco-Bedding.

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Answer 2

Don't use cedar or pine, the smells and oils in these are very harmful to rats. Just about anything else is okay, but there are still some that rank above others. As the previous answerer said, some are dustier. I use "Natural Critter Care" which is much like Carefresh, just cheaper and not as dusty. My rats love it. Sometimes I put a little Kaytee soft-sorbent underneath for better absorbancy, but this is not necessary and I don't always do it because the bedding itself is fine. Try to stay away from chemically treated or scented bedding, it's bad for rats lungs which are easily infected if they must breath in smells that are irritating to them. Best of luck.

Answer 3

In any event, avoid pine and cedar shavings at all costs (the oils cause respiratory problems in rodents). I used a mixture of aspen shavings and Carefresh (both of which I got at PetSmart) for the substrate, and it seemed to work pretty well.
I also put plain paper, paper towels, and/or Timothy hay in the rats' bed. They would shred it up and make a little nest. Just be sure to change it often, since paper and hay do not absorb the urine smell very well. And only use plain paper, since certain inks are toxic to rats. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Stay away from pine, aspen or cedar shavings. They are bad for the rodents lungs. Wood shavings also leave a strong odour. I suggest using kitty litter, it leaves no stench at all, is cheap and affordable, low maintenance and only needs to be changed every 2-3 weeks.

Answer 5

I would stay away from cedar, aspen and pine shavings. They can stir up stuff that gets into the rats lungs and causes respiratory problems. Try using a paper-based bedding. This is just as absorbent and keeps your little rats from having respiratory issues. You can check Petsmart, Petco and Fred Myer(Pacific NW, that is where I buy mine), or probably a Walmart. I wouldn't worry too much about them moving them around.They are just making nests.

Answer 6

First of all, NEVER give your rats aspen or pine shavings... it is poisonous to them!!!! In fact, you shouldnt use any wood shavings on them, use the recycled bedding. It is comfy-er and better for them, although more expensive. I get the Carefresh brand, and it is awesome. It keeps the cage from smelling to soon, and the ratties love it!!!
Good luck with your buddies!

Answer 7

Do not use pine, aspen, or cedar. A good brand is carefresh bedding. Thats what I use for my rats. It is alittle more expensive but it last two times longer and wont cuase infections like some other beddings.

Answer 8

stay away from pine and cedar, they are soft wood which has phenols (the stuff that maks it smell good) that causes respirtory problems.
If you must use shavings, use aspen shavings, they are a hard wood, they are usually a little messier because it is not flakes it is actuall shavings.

You can also use a cat litter called Yesterdays News (it is recycled news paper pellets)

You may want to try hanging up hammocks, and just putting in cuts of fabric for them to tear up and make into nests.

Answer 9

Use that recycled newpaper stuff. Whatever you do, dont use pine or cedar or wood shavings. The dust from them will give your rat an sinus infection and kill them.

I personally just toss in a bunch of shredded newspaper, my females love to tear it up and make nests with it.

Answer 10

if you use wood shavings put old socks or a rag or 2 in there (which is what i d, but i also have a hamic) or use care fresh...it works very nice although u can still smell odors if you want the brand of the woodshavings i use it is premier pet natrual pine bedding...its sorta soft hope this helps!!!