Substrate materials used for small mammals such as ferrets, rodents and rabbits all have pros and cons. Here are some of them in this quick reference guide. Since CLEAN beddings PREVENT DISEASE, change bedding frequently, especially with species that do not tolerate ammonia well, such as rabbits, or those being housed in semi-enclosed units such as Habitrail(s) or aquariums. Wire cages should have a high quality, deep plastic bottom and this will repay you many times over with your savings in both time expended over cleaning chores and cost of bedding. Cleaning a ferret Critter Pen or Hagen's huge new Deluxe model can literally be done in a few moments. Removing disease causing bacteria from cages using wood or galvanized wire frameworks is almost impossible, and containing the bedding within the cage is always a problem.

Remember that wire bottom cages (no bedding, or bedding underneath) that were formerly popular in commercial laboratories are no longer normally recommended for pets. Wire bottoms avoid bedding costs for labs, but also lead to sore hocks and occasional leg or foot fractures.

RED CEDAR SHAVINGS:

These most aromatic of the wood shavings are liked by some owners because of their pleasant scent. This is helpful for those that object to the musky odour of some rodents (ie mice) or ferrets. Some authorities claim that their aromatic nature is also useful in repelling certain parasites, such as fleas or lice. However, many ferret clubs and internet sources have also criticized red cedar as some of the organic chemicals and oils have been suggested to cause respiratory irritation or activation of liver enzyme systems. This may be more of a problem in laboratory animals who tend to be housed in enclosed style cages under intensive management systems. Controlled studies on the use of red cedar in pet environments have never been done. However, it might be best to avoid using red cedar in enclosed style (reduced ventilation) cages or aquariums, or whenever any adverse reaction and/or "allergy" is suspected. Ferrets, chinchillas, and dwarf hamsters should probably be kept on pine, not cedar.

WHITE CEDAR SHAVINGS:

White cedar is much less aromatic than red cedar, yet still has a pleasant scent. It is not a mixture of cedar and pine, but a different type of wood that is used. It is not common in the pet industry. No adverse effects have ever been documented from white cedar shavings, however, it also might be best recommended for wire cages, rather than enclosed styles.

PINE SHAVINGS:

Generally the most common bedding used by professional breeders and many laboratories. Large packs or bales make it very economical to use. Some cheaper or bulk types are not always properly dried and at one point pine was criticised for being a possible source of bacterial disease. Disease resulting from the use of this type of pine shaving with pets has not been documented. Hagen pine shavings are kiln dried and thus are very clean, absorbent, and hygienic. Pine is not normally very aromatic unless freshly cut, and thus is a popular alternative to red cedar. Lemon and chlorophyll types have a nice added scent, but the colouring agents can be transferred to white species such as rats or mice, so coloured beddings are not recommended for these pets.

SHREDDED ASPEN:

An unusual and useful bedding. Large sizes are quite economical for small pets such as the gerbil or hamster. Might be too costly to recommend for rabbits or other larger pets. Extremely absorbent because of its fine particle size, aspen has virtually no odour of its own. Also wonderful for wire cage owners as it forms a matted surface and cannot easily be kicked out of the cage (much neater than conventional shavings). However, does not cover droppings well, so best with small rodents.

CORN COBS:

Corn cobs are one of the most absorbent beddings available, have a clean appearance and scent, very low dust and are non-irritating. They are popular for use with small rodent pets but can be too costly for use with large species such as the rabbit. They tend to stay in place better than shavings and make cage cleaning a snap. They are available in several sizes as well as a pelleted form (the cobs are chopped and pressed into a die cut pellet). Regular corn cobs are a particularly nice bedding for gerbils.

RECYCLED NEWSPAPER:

Recycled paper products are available as pellets, broken pellets and flakes. They are all excellent beddings but may vary in cost. Economic factors usually mean they are more suitable for the smaller pet rodents. They are all extremely absorbent and will not support mould or bacterial growth. They are dust free, non-irritating, light in weight, and will not stick to the cage bottom. Modern newspaper ink is non -toxic and there are no reported safety problems. Obviously they are environmentally friendly.

COTTON/TIMOTHY HAY:

Although not actually considered cage bedding, both cotton fluff and timothy hay are used as bedding by hamsters and other small rodents in the construction of their elaborate nests. Note that our new timothy product, (now also considered a mandatory part of the daily diet for all dwarf rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas), is actually nibbled on by many small rodents. A nice change for them in any event.

Hagen cotton fluff is pure raw natural cotton wool. Some authorities feel that these natural cotton products are safer as bedding for small rodents than polyester or other man made wools. Many small rodents also enjoy torn soft paper as a nesting material.

Louise Bauck BSc, DVM, MVSc.