What kind of bedding can I use for rats?

What materials are safe for rats?

Some good options include: cardboard boxes, paper towel and toilet paper rolls, bells, and paper towels left in sheets so that they can have the fun of chewing them up! Rats also enjoy outside cage time. However, it is important to “rat proof” the room before letting them out.

Can I make my own rat bedding?

The simplest rat bedding is just plain cardboard. Old cartons, egg boxes and the tubes from toilet paper are all perfect. Tear the cardboard into one or two-inch diameter pieces and store in a plastic bag until needed. One shopping bag full of cardboard pieces is sufficient for one rat cage.

Can I put cotton balls in my rats cage?

Don't give rats nesting materials that separate into thin strands, such as cotton wool or similar 'fluffy' bedding products, as they can get tangled in them or and they aren't safe for them to eat.

Is it OK to use shredded paper for rat bedding?

Most shredded paper (e.g. from your home office) is fine to use for rat bedding. Paper that has been printed on with toxic ink should be avoided as rats will attempt to eat most bedding.

Safe beddings for Rats

How often should you change rat bedding?

Droppings, uneaten food and soiled areas of bedding should be removed from your pets' cage every day. Clean the cage completely twice a week by replacing dirty bedding and scrubbing down the rest of the cage with warm, soapy water. High-quality rat blocks should be available to your pet at all times.

What do rats like in their cage?

Hammocks and hideouts: Rats should always have a hanging ferret bed in their cage. It gives them a nice, comfy spot to hide and sleep. They should also have at least one wooden hideout per rat in different areas of the cage to provide privacy and security. Chew toys: Rats also love to chew!

Are pine shavings safe for rats?

Unfortunately, pine and cedar are readily available and among the cheapest options. However, they are also quite toxic to rodents. Chemically speaking, pine and cedar expose your rat to aromatic hydrocarbons called phenols.

Do rats need salt lick?

Salt licks are not required for rats and mice like they are for rabbits.

What is toxic to a rat?

Toxic Foods

Only a small number of human foods are toxic to rats. Top of the list is blue cheese, which could kill your pet. Others are licorice, poppy seeds and bitter almonds. Green potatoes are toxic to most animals, including you, and rats are just as vulnerable.

Do rats need bedding?

Why Do Rats Need Bedding? There are three types of bedding that are needed in a rat cage: Substrate in the base of the cage, to line the cage, and give the rats something to dig in. Litter for toileting, to absorb urine and feces, and encourage good toilet habits.

Is fleece safe for pet rats?

BOTTOM LINE: Using ONLY fleece as bedding in your rat's cage isn't good for their sensitive respiratory systems as it releases the urine back into the air.

Are wood shavings Safe for rats?

Do not use wood-shavings or sawdust, as they can irritate rats' eyes and noses. Have a nest box with nesting material inside, but do not use straw. Rats tend to use one area of the cage for urinating, so this area will need to be cleaned frequently (perhaps daily) and the whole cage will need to be cleaned once a week.

Do I need to bathe my rat?

Answer: Rats are very good at keeping themselves clean, and do not need to bathed constantly. If they get especially smelly, every once in a while is fine. When my rats got older and cleaning themselves was more difficult, I washed them more often.

How often should rats be bathed?

Unless your rat gets dirty somehow, bathing it only on occasion will make it smell less. When bathed, animals lose some of the natural oils secreted by their body that protect them from the elements. The animal will reproduce any lost oils, which will be of a stronger smell. Bathe your rat no more than once a month.

How long should rats be out of their cage?

Rats are very social with people and other rats. To keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit they should be allowed out of the cage daily for at least 1-‐2 hours of play-‐time. Rats are highly social animals and do best when housed in pairs or groups.

Can I use cat litter in rats cage?

Litter pellets are great for using in litter boxes in your rat cage, but you can also use it as bedding in the entire cage. While it isn't the most comfortable of options for your rats, it works just as well. Avoid dusty litter or litter that contains baking soda. Cat litter or clay litter are not suitable for rats.

Do pet rats poop everywhere?

Your rats will naturally go potty in a corner. And since you have a box in every corner, they're always going to get it right.

How many litter boxes should be in a rat cage?

If you have multiple rats, you may find urine and droppings in multiple places in the cage. Use more than one litter box, setting each box near the places you typically find urine and droppings.

Can you use pee pads for rats?

Underpads, or incontinence pads, are commonly used on hospital beds to prevent urine from reaching the sheets or mattress below. I purchased a pack of 4 and decided to give it a test run in my cage with 7 rats. The 4 pack of underpads worked perfectly for my Double Critter Nation cage that has 4 levels.

Can you use paper cat litter for rats?

Keep in mind that light colored rats will end up with dirty looking fur from the ink. One of the recommended manufactured shredded paper choices for litter is Eco-bedding ^TM . It is made from 100% recycled paper. It is also highly absorbent, and dust free preventing irritation to the respiratory tract.

Can rats use straw as bedding?

Straw Pellet Bedding: Straw pellets work much the same way as paper pellets and are also suitable for rats because they're non-toxic and absorbent. Shredded Cardboard Bedding: Shredded cardboard bedding works well for rats because, much like paper pellets and straw pellets, it's a fairly natural and inert substance.