Introduction

Choosing the best bedding for small animals is essential for creating a comfortable, hygienic, and healthy enclosure. Bedding helps absorb moisture, control odours, and provides a soft surface where pets can rest, nest, and feel secure.

In Australia, common small pets include rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice, and each species benefits from safe, absorbent bedding that supports their natural behaviours. In this buying guide, we’ll explore the most popular bedding options, their benefits, and what to consider when setting up your pet’s habitat.

Why Bedding Matters for Small Animals

Good bedding does more than just line the enclosure — it plays an important role in your pet’s overall wellbeing.

The right bedding should:

• Absorb moisture to keep the enclosure dry

• Reduce odours between cleans

• Be low-dust to protect sensitive respiratory systems

• Provide comfort for resting and nesting

• Be safe if chewed or ingested

Using unsuitable bedding can lead to respiratory irritation, skin problems, or an uncomfortable enclosure.

Paper-Based Bedding

Paper bedding is one of the most recommended bedding options for small animals because it’s soft, absorbent, and safe.

Benefits:

• Excellent moisture absorption

• Very low dust

• Soft and comfortable for nesting

• Strong odour control

Paper bedding works well for rats, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits, and is especially suitable for animals with sensitive respiratory systems.

Best for:
Owners looking for a safe, easy-to-maintain bedding option.

Aspen Wood Shavings

Aspen is a hardwood shaving that is considered safe for many small animals.

Benefits:

• Natural and biodegradable

• Good absorbency

• Provides a natural digging texture

• Low aromatic oils compared to softwood shavings

Aspen shavings are commonly used for rats and mice, as they allow animals to dig and nest comfortably.

Important:
Avoid cedar or untreated pine shavings, as they contain aromatic oils that may irritate small animals’ respiratory systems.

Hay Bedding

Hay is commonly used in enclosures for rabbits and guinea pigs, often layered on top of other bedding.

Benefits:

• Safe for animals to eat

• Encourages natural foraging behaviour

• Provides warmth and comfort

• Helps create natural nesting areas

Hay is often used alongside absorbent bedding, rather than as the only substrate.

Best for:
Rabbits and guinea pigs that enjoy grazing and nesting.

Hemp Bedding

Hemp bedding is becoming more popular thanks to its natural absorbency and eco-friendly qualities.

Benefits:

• Highly absorbent

• Very low dust

• Excellent odour control

• Sustainable and biodegradable

Hemp works well for rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice, making it a versatile bedding option.

Recycled Paper Pellets

Paper pellet bedding is commonly used in litter trays and high-moisture areas.

Benefits:

• Extremely absorbent

• Strong odour control

• Low dust

• Long-lasting between changes

This bedding type is particularly popular for rabbit and guinea pig litter areas.

Bedding to Avoid

Some bedding materials can be unsafe for small animals.

Avoid using:

• Cedar shavings

• Untreated pine shavings

• Cat litter

• Scented bedding products

These can release dust or chemicals that irritate your pet’s respiratory system.

How Much Bedding Do Small Animals Need?

The right bedding depth helps animals stay comfortable and encourages natural behaviour.

General guidelines:

• Rats and mice: 5–10 cm for nesting

• Guinea pigs: 3–5 cm base layer with hay for comfort

• Rabbits: Thin bedding layer with hay in resting and litter areas

Spot-clean daily and perform a full bedding change once or twice a week, depending on enclosure size and the number of pets.

Tips for Choosing the Best Bedding

When selecting bedding for your pet, look for:

• Low-dust materials to protect respiratory health

• High absorbency to reduce cleaning frequency

• Soft textures for comfort and nesting

• Species-appropriate materials

Many owners also use a combination of bedding types, such as paper bedding as a base layer with hay added for warmth and enrichment.

Final Thoughts

The best bedding for small animals helps maintain a clean habitat while supporting your pet’s comfort and natural behaviours. Options like paper bedding, aspen shavings, hemp, and paper pellets are all excellent choices depending on your pet and enclosure setup.

By selecting the right bedding and maintaining a regular cleaning routine, you can create a healthier and more comfortable home for your small animal.

If you're setting up a new enclosure, explore our range of small animal bedding, hay, and habitat supplies to find the best fit for your pet.