FAQ: Bedding for small pets

In the first weeks, clean only toilet spots away from the nest and leave the nest itself alone, as a disturbed mother can become very stressed. Once the babies start moving about on their own, bedding can be changed as usual.

Older animals do well on soft, absorbent bedding and a smooth, non-slip floor, as they more often have joint pain and foot problems. A low-rimmed litter tray and more frequent cleaning help keep them clean.

Bedding stuck to the fur usually means the bedding is too wet or dusty, or the animal can no longer groom itself because of age, weight or illness. Change the bedding more often, and if the problem persists, see a vet.

Remove wet patches daily, use absorbent bedding such as hemp or wood pellets in the toilet, and wash the tray regularly. A well-ventilated spot and a large enough cage also reduce odour.

Wood pellets and hemp or flax hurds usually control odour best, with shavings and paper bedding slightly behind. But no bedding replaces regular cleaning.

Common causes are urine scale in the tray, urine-soaked wooden houses or shelves, bedding that is not absorbent enough or a cage too small for the number of animals. Wash and dry the wooden parts, and replace wooden items that keep smelling.

Often yes, as unneutered males, especially mice and rabbits, mark their territory with urine more actively. Such animals need more absorbent bedding and more frequent cleaning of toilet spots.

In hot weather, use a thinner layer of bedding where the animal rests and offer a cool ceramic or stone surface. A deep nest can overheat in the heat, but for burrowing species still keep a deep-bedded area.

In warm weather, urine and fresh food in the bedding break down faster, the smell gets stronger and, outdoors, flies are attracted. In summer, check the bedding more often and remove damp spots daily.

In winter, a deeper layer of bedding and hay lets the animal burrow in and keep warm, especially outdoors or in cool rooms. It is important that the bedding stays dry, as damp bedding chills rather than warms.

Grass or straw often works for the run area, with dry, absorbent bedding and hay in the enclosed sleeping area. Rain and dew soak bedding, so be sure to protect the sleeping area from moisture.

In warm, dry summer weather, a run on grass is a great place to graze for a while or during the day. But the run needs shade, a hide and a dry spot with bedding, and the animal should be introduced to fresh grass gradually.

Used bedding can go in the general waste bin, and plant-based bedding with herbivore droppings can be composted. Do not flush bedding down the toilet or drain, as it swells and can block the pipes.

Plant-based bedding can be composted: wood shavings and pellets, paper, hemp and flax bedding, hay and straw. Do not put synthetic materials or mineral litter in the compost.

Yes, herbivore droppings together with plant-based bedding are a valuable compost material. Let the compost rot down fully before using it on vegetables, and keep droppings from carnivores or omnivores separate.

Paper, hemp and flax bedding break down fairly quickly, within a few months, while wood shavings and straw take longer. Turn the compost and keep it moist but not wet, and finer bedding will break down faster.

Omnivore droppings can carry microorganisms transmissible to people, so such compost is best not used on edible plants. It can be composted for ornamental plants or thrown away with general waste.

Store bedding in a dry, cool place, in a closed pack or a lidded box, away from moisture and household chemicals. Damp bedding can go mouldy, and open bedding can attract insects.

Dry bedding does not spoil like food, but stored in a damp place it can absorb moisture, go mouldy or become infested with mites. If bedding is damp, smells of mould or has visible bugs, do not use it.

Yes, if the place is dry and the bedding is kept in a sealed container. A damp basement or an open balcony exposed to rain and humidity is not suitable, as the bedding gets damp and can go mouldy.