Just like cage selection, another important aspect for pet rodents is the arrangement of the flooring and the choice of bedding. These little companions spend most of their day in direct contact with the cage floor. An unsuitable bedding can lead to foot injuries, respiratory problems, coat issues, and stress-related behavioral disorders.

---

1. What Is Bedding and Why Is It Important?
Bedding is the material spread across the bottom of the cage, serving the following purposes:

• Absorbs liquid and reduces odor

• Allows natural behaviors like digging and hiding

• Protects rodents’ feet from injury

• Provides thermal insulation

• Offers a comfortable sleeping area

In short, bedding is vital for both comfort and hygiene.

---

2. Features of Ideal Bedding

Feature	Explanation
Dust-free	Prevents respiratory illness in sensitive rodents
High absorbency	Reduces odors by soaking up urine and moisture
Non-toxic	Must be free from scents, dyes, or chemicals
Chew-safe	Should be safe to gnaw but not edible
Suitable for digging	Must be soft and deep enough for burrowing
Easy to replace	Should allow effortless weekly cleaning

---

3. Common Bedding Types and Comparisons

A) Paper-Based Bedding

• Recycled, dust-free, highly absorbent.

• Safest option for respiratory health.

• Especially suitable for hamsters and chinchillas with asthma risk.
  ✅ Advantages: Absorbent, odor-free, dust-free
  ❌ Disadvantages: Expensive, not ideal for digging

B) Shavings from Softwood

• Usually from pine or spruce.

• Controls odor, affordable.

• Must be kiln-dried and dust-free.
  ✅ Advantages: Cheap, easy to find
  ❌ Disadvantages: Poor-quality types may cause respiratory issues
  ⚠️ Warning: Never use cedar shavings (toxic phenols).

C) Hemp Bedding

• Natural, chemical-free, light yet absorbent.

• Antibacterial, reduces mold.
  ✅ Advantages: Natural, odor control
  ❌ Disadvantages: Some rodents dislike it, scatters easily

D) Pellets (Compressed Paper/Wood)

• Dense, absorbent granules.

• Best for litter corners, not whole flooring.
  ✅ Advantages: Highly absorbent, low odor
  ❌ Disadvantages: Hard, uncomfortable for digging

E) Sand/Soil (For Gerbils & Mice)

• Processed soil mixtures ideal for tunneling.

• Encourages natural burrow building.
  ✅ Advantages: Supports natural behavior
  ❌ Disadvantages: Harder to control odor/moisture

---

4. Bedding Recommendations by Species

Rodent Type	Recommended Bedding	Notes
Syrian Hamster	Paper-based + wood shavings mix	Needs 20+ cm depth for digging
Dwarf Hamster	Soft paper + sand area	Less digging instinct, needs hiding spots
Gerbil	Soil + hay + paper mix	For tunneling systems
Rat	Paper-based or hemp	Flat, soft base protects feet
Mouse	Paper-based + fine shavings	Dust-free combinations work best
Guinea Pig	Hemp + fleece liner	Soft surface for nail health
Chinchilla	Paper-based + stone resting area	Must stay dust-free and dry

---

5. Layered Flooring System: Balance of Comfort and Cleanliness
Best results come from multi-layer setups:

• Bottom layer: Absorbent base (paper, hemp)

• Middle layer: Thicker material for digging (wood shavings, hay)

• Top layer: Soft material for nesting (shredded paper, soft fibers)

This combination provides absorbency, digging fun, and easy cleaning.

---

6. Cleaning and Replacement Routine

• Daily: Spot-clean dirty corners, especially toilet areas

• Weekly: Full bedding replacement and cage cleaning

• Monthly: Deep-clean with odor-free disinfectant or vinegar
  💡 Tip: Use a different bedding type for toilet corners to help rodents recognize them.

---

7. Common Mistakes vs. Correct Practices

Mistake	Correct Practice
Using only a thin bedding layer	Provide at least 10–20 cm depth
Using cedar or dyed shavings	Only natural, kiln-dried materials
Flat floor for digging species	Provide deep, diggable substrate
Changing bedding monthly	Full weekly change + daily spot cleaning
Prioritizing cleanliness only	Must balance hygiene with comfort and natural needs

---

Conclusion
Bedding choice should never be underestimated if you want your pet rodent to stay healthy, happy, and able to express natural behaviors. The right substrate balances hygiene, comfort, and enrichment.

Remember: A soft, safe floor makes a big difference in your little friend’s world.

---