Best small animal bedding & litter according to redditors
We found 96 Reddit comments discussing the best small animal bedding & litter. We ranked the 35 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 96 Reddit comments discussing the best small animal bedding & litter. We ranked the 35 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Why can't people provide links?
I am asuming it is this one that you bought https://www.amazon.co.uk/carefresh-Custom-Hamster-Bedding-Natural/dp/B00OUVDCVY
Whilst the description does not state expanded/unexpanded there is a clear picture of the packaging in the advert which does show it.
I think you will struggle in any legal capacity as the photo clearly shows the size, however you might have a chance on the fact that you believed it was packaged size. you would have to demonstrate that a reasonable person would have reasonably assumed the size.
That said, if it is unopened you can return it at your expense for a full refund
This item isn't dispatched or fulfilled by amazon, so their cover won't fully apply either. Contact them, be nice and you may get a good resolution.
That seems like an adequate size for the snake. If that's aspen shavings that seems fine. I wouldn't make any urgent suggestions. However, if you want to go a step above, I would consider the following:
- More clutter. Fake plants, rocks, sticks, anything to break line of sight. The more cover they have, the safer they feel.
- I would switch to a more 'shaved' aspen then the splintery style you look like you're using. Hognoses are burrowers and those shavings are a little sharp. I use this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/Small-Pet-Select-Jumbo-Bedding/dp/B0725L68KB/
Etc:
Its called eco bedding, it's just made out of paper.
FiberCore Eco-bedding Natural, 4.5lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002MKZW4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Cn-RCbJATXDMF
You shouldn't feel bad - you definitely saved him from a terrible fate on the streets! An albino mouse that is OK with you handling him is almost certainly domestic. Likely someone didn't want to care for him anymore and just set him loose. It's very sad because they will either die of exposure (they won't know how to find good shelter), or most likely a cat, hawk, or any other predator will eat him.
I would monitor him and see if he appears healthy. Domestic mice generally don't carry the same diseases as wild mice, and if he was friendly and looks to be in good condition (clear open eyes, smooth fur, no wet spot under tail, etc.), then maybe he was only released (or escaped) earlier that day. I found a domestic hamster once in our neighborhood, so it does happen!
It is always good to have a vet check on him if you can. If the vet confirms it's a boy, then he will need to live alone. Male mice fight.
He will enjoy a wheel like a Silent Spinner or Flying Saucer, a water bottle (not a dish, which gets dirty), and toys like paper towel tubes, small cardboard boxes, a large stick to climb on, etc. He will need a place to sleep that is something like an overturned cardboard box with a hole cut out, or you can buy one. I recommend a lab block like Oxbow young rat and mouse, and supplement with some bird seed occasionally (no dried corn). For cages, a tank like a 20-gallon tank with a mesh lid is the best. For bedding I would recommend either EcoEarth (it helps combat the smell), or Vitakraft paper crumbles, with something like Klean and Kozy for burrowing. Males do have a musk so he will be a little stinky, and need his cage cleaned once a week.
Share a pic if you can, and update us. I hope you keep him and enjoy him!
Awesome. And not just food, but they need nesting material. Like [This] (https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/carefresh-natural-pet-bedding) or This or This. They don't have to be those exact brand names, but they need something like that to live, walk, and sleep on.
I have one of these...
It works perfectly Barney. It doesn't hurt his feet either. He won't use the bathroom anywhere else but in it. He's a free-roaming rabbit and will hop all the way from the other end of the house to use it. I bought the biggest one they had. I clean it with vinegar occasionally but usually only need to dump/refill it every 2 days. It locks into place so he can't manhandle or bunhandle it.
I use this bedding, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Back-Nature-Small-Animal-Bedding/dp/B003XLBV3S
Love her color makes her look like a teeny Syrian! She’s a dwarf so I don’t think I need to say anything about a wheel just don’t go super tiny. Make sure she has a proper size cage. Big cages are the best make sure its atleast 24” length 12” width and 12” height. Clear bins are good for you too see her I’d recommend! Cut holes in her lit so she can breath and can’t escape, either cut 60+ half an inch holes or cut a big square off the lid (if you have a cat or curious dog do the hole lid) do not use pine or cedar bedding. Any paper bedding is good I recommend carefresh (Cheaper on Amazon) do not use mesh wheels!!! Your ham will get hurt and get bumble feet not good. No bathing in water. It’s not necessary but it’s highly recommend to get sand for your hamster to bathe in, she’ll either roll around in it herself or you can hold her and give her a sand bath. I like most plastic wheels, wouldn’t recommend wooden wheels for a dwarf since my friend has a wooden wheel for her ham and he can’t even move it so she had to pay for a plastic one. Chews are good for her teeth so they don’t grow too long. Clip her nails if you can, if you can’t go to a vet when you notice them getting long. Plastic tubes and empty paper tubes are good boredom breakers. Clean the cage fully once a month with a one part water one part vinegar solution and change the bedding monthly. Lastly a hideout so she can scurry away. I’ll leave some links, good luck!
hamster care video
bin cage tutorial
If she’s not tame here’s a taming vid
hamster dont’s
bedding
chews
sand
hideout
boredom breaker/hideout
wheel
bin for bin cage
mesh top for bin cage
zip ties for bin cage
tube
GuineaDad Fleece Liner 2.0 | Guinea Pig Fleece Cage Liners | Guinea Pig Bedding | Burrowing Pocket Sleeve | Extra Absorbent Antibacterial Bamboo | Waterproof | Available in Various Cage Sizes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D4BW8QW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_NznUBb0JYBEDG
Besides food, bedding, and litter, I don't really use pet supply sources for much. I make or repurpose most of the hammocks and cage accessories from salvaged or really cheap stuff.
I get jealous when I see sites like RatRations or RatWarehouse but when it comes down to it, I really don't spend much money on my boys. I prefer diy projects and just using junk.
I will admit to splurging every once in a while, though. Several years ago I actually bought three Sputniks from RatWarehouse (just because I wanted better colors) and had them shipped to me in the US. It was expensive but not crazy-expensive.
I'm gonna keep an eye on this thread but if you find any cool rat supply sources, be sure to post about them!
a lot of people use these.
I just use this with no issues!
Best one is carefresh in my opinion... https://www.amazon.com/Carefresh-Complete-Pet-Bedding-Natural/dp/B00PBM6WHW/ref=lp_17377176011_1_1?srs=17377176011&ie=UTF8&qid=1541085411&sr=8-1&th=1 It is the most absorbent, quite cheap, made of non dusty recycled paper. All the wood shavings (btw pine shavings are toxic to bunnies!) are much less absorbant and you will need a lot more of them. Newspaper will not absorb enough either in my experience and bunny will end up with on fur which can result in urine scald.
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Always have hay on one side of the litter box or right next to it in a rack as bunnies like to poop and eat and will poop where there is the most hay basically.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI1aonqc5Tc - great video on litter box set-up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GHRkf5z6EQ - great video on litter training
https://www.reddit.com/r/Rabbits/comments/9mli4c/adopted_this_little_guy_thor_from_our_local/ - see picture here for a great DIY hayrack idea to put next to the litter tray
https://www.sandiegorabbits.org/lb.php - some great step by step on litter training and good litter options for bunnies here.
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If you need any more tips on anything take a look at the little guide I made for new bunny parents https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Z_IvDuy5Fr-VOKwBVBSmZih0m1ATCIquIMhYyFl4aIw
Thanks!! These are non disposable liners, they're made especially for Guinea pigs, and they are machine washable! Best invention in the world. They are expensive but you end up saving money in the long run - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07D4BD7Z2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share . I change mine every week (2 piggies), they can get a little stinky, so you definitely need at least 2 liners to change between washes.
Piggies tend do be more messy where they eat, so you just have to play along with their natural instinct. Building a "kitchen/toilet" area helps a lot with that. I have 2 "litter" trays with paper bedding where they make most of their poops and pees.
They also poop inside their hideys of course, so I have swipe those up twice a day, but it's a lot easier with these liners :)
Don't forget these cuties are the definition of "poop factory" 💩
They also have a lot of harmful dust that can damage their lungs.
Aspen bedding is the way to go. I got a box 8 cubic feet of it from amazon for less than $30.00
Source: Years of keeping reptiles (various snakes in the aspen bedding)
My rabbit eats blankets, so you might want to watch out for that with yours. On the litter tray - one made for a cat should work well (it should be small enough your bunny can hop in, and large enough for her to do a full turn around in AND have a wad of timothy hay). You might have to try a few different things for lining it - I usually use the pine pellets from Tractor Supply Company that are intended for horses (https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tractor-supply-pine-pellet-stall-bedding-40-lb?cm_vc=-10005) and shake hay-dust over the pellets, then put a big wad of hay at one end for my bunny to eat. I've had people mention that pine and rabbits can be iffy though (apparently they absorb something from it that makes it so their liver doesn't react well to certain medications), so you might want to try some kind of paper bedding in the litter box instead. I've used this before and it does seem to keep the pee odor down, but my rabbit likes to eat it (which is why I switched to the pine pellets): https://www.amazon.com/Carefresh-Complete-Pet-Bedding-Natural/dp/B00PBM6WHW
OH I forgot to talk about litter and litter boxes! Ratties can indeed be litter trained. Its a bit harder with peeing because ratties just love to mark everything and anything they can get their grabbies on, so thats something you'll have to accept unfortunately lol
Poops are easily controlled though. They might have the odd accident here and there but in general, it makes cleaning their cage a lot easier! Here is one example of a litter box. This is another type that uses a grate so that it isnt as messy. I personally prefer it without grates just because Im super paranoid about my ratties feet getting hurt haha
The type of litter people generally use is fragrance-free, dust-free recycled paper pellets. Many people swear by this litter. However, if youre in europe, its hard to get your hands on that stuff so I use this litter. It's pretty much the same thing - recycled paper pellets, fragrance and dust free. Its absorbent and controls odours very very well. Clay litter isnt recommended since if your rats ingest it, it will clump up in their alimentary canal which can be fatal. This is why I stopped using Critter Litter although many people like it. I dont since I find it doesnt control odours as well, and I hate how it clumps up and gets super pasty and smelly when it gets urine on it. Its hard to clean out and it smells awful. Paper pellets are the way to go in my opinion.
Another little thing people do with their litter boxes to help control the urine a bit better, is put some stones in the litter box. Rats, for whatever reason, love to pee on stones and rocks. I just picked up like 6 flat, smooth, large stones when I was at the beach. I froze them for 48 hours, then boiled them, sanitized them and now theyre in the corner of my boys' 2 litter boxes. My boys love to climb and perch on them and they pee on them. The cage odour is so much better and way more easily controlled that way. I highly recommend it! Just make sure when youre cleaning out their litter boxes, that you put the stones somewhere sanitary and boil them out with hot water. I usually put the stones in my sink, drench them in apple cider vinegar and antibacterial soap and let them sit there while I clean out the litter boxes. Then when I finish with the litter boxes, I pour boiling water from a kettle all over the stones and let them cool down. Then just dry them and they're ready to use. It's very easy and very effective!
Okay I think that's all, if I remember anything else I will add it on here haha
Some folks use pure aspen shavings if you're looking for a more economical option. They might be less absorbent (it's been years since I had a hamster and I don't remember what we used) but if it's half the price it might be worth a try.
For warmth I like using bedding and blankets. I find my hedgie likes to burrow and make herself a small nest.
Bedding
Ceramic Heater
Thermostat
I use the heater year round.
I use paper bedding, hay, and throw some toilet paper tubes in that they can chew to keep busy and as more bedding. I also use some of this . It’s really cheap and is good to lay on the top. I buy it at my local pet store and it’s cheaper there. 13$ for a 30 liter bag. It expands a lot too
You might try a scatterless litter pan. My boys only scatter the litter (I use CareFresh) if they've dropped a treat inside and want to dig it out...
I have also had good luck with these ones from amazon. Kind of pricey though and you can’t choose the color. ware litter pan
Hey there! Here is the link to my exact litter tray! Thank you for the set up compliments :) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SLICDA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'd recommend using something like this instead of those puppy pads. It'll adsorb the ammonia better and give your buddies something to dig around in. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002MKZW4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
this is the stuff we generally use. i'm cool with throwing some hay in there. i like giving him some different things to work with. thank you for the info. i'll check out the timothy hay.
I personally recommend and use a Guineadad liner. It's been well worth the costs, plus my Boyz love the pocket.
https://www.amazon.com/GuineaDad-Burrowing-Absorbent-Antibacterial-Waterproof/dp/B073ZYWQN4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=guineadad&qid=1557721833&s=gateway&sr=8-1
I use that exact brand of bedding, except I get the "natural" kind which is a brownish color and does not use baking soda (I believe that baking soda makes respiratory illnesses worse). I use 1/2 of the Kaytee, and then 1/2 Green Dreamzzz bedding. It's made of shredded newspaper printed with safe vegetable ink.
Petco and Petsmart are usually okay for some pet supplies, but really do research on the products first. A lot of the stuff they use is made in China and uses dyes and things like that which i'm not comfortable with. http://www.drsfostersmith.com is also great for rat supplies.
Also as I'm sure you know, rats are a grab bag of surprises. Most rats do not die of old age, they die from URI's, pneumonia, cancer, and other health problems. Obviously you will want to try and treat these ailments as long as you can instead of letting them suffer, which can cost quite a bit of money. I think I've spent over $1000 on just these 3 alone. I've also owned 5 other rats before them, 4 were euthanized after battling with a URI, pneumonia or otherwise, and one had a pituitary tumor. :( Those 5 had absolutely no aggression issues whatsoever, while these current 3 have a heap of issues, 1 is neutered, 1 is getting ready to be neutered, and the other gets beat up constantly by the about-to-be-neutered one and has a ton of bite marks which I have to put ointment on. Moral of the story, rats are like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get. xD
That's a good suggestion for OP, Maava :) though if you mean cotton fluffy bedding such as this stuff https://www.amazon.co.uk/Naturals-Soft-Animal-Bedding-Small/dp/B013Q8UMU0/ref=asc_df_B013Q8UMU0/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=256168923248&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4104443744901207237&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045067&hvtargid=pla-672533844855&psc=1&th=1&psc=1 (brand is irrelevant) please, please stop using it! No matter how many times it says safe on the packaging, it is NOT. It wraps around teeth and prevents eating, blocks the intestines causing pain, surgery and death, and gets wrapped around limbs and cuts off curculation which can lead to the loss of that limb and even life.
GuineaDad Fleece Liner 2.0 | Guinea Pig Bedding | Burrowing Pocket Sleeve | Extra Absorbent Antibacterial Bamboo | Waterproof | Available Various Cage Sizes (2X3 C&C, Purple) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07D4BVHJQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tPdvDbAH30FGZ
These are amazing, a bit pricey but I have 3 I interchange and it's been so much easier to spot clean and change out. They wash easy the only downside is they need a bit to dry but a high power dryer should he good. Also my babies LOVE the pockets!
Dogs, ever since I was little I was obssessed with dogs. Instead of playing with Barbie dolls I would play with the Barbie dogs/puppies. I also had tons of dog stuffed animals, I still have some of them. As soon as we got our own house I begged my parents for a dog and we went to the shelter on my 12th bday and got Cinnamon. :D, but then we lost the house and had to rent. And everywhere we looked no one wanted a dog so we gave her away to a friends friend :( I still visit her sometimes. Right now I just got some guinea pigs (a week ago) since our landlord doesnt like cats or dogs. Theyre very cute but very skittish still. Link if I happen to win.
But I want it!
Kaytee Clean and Cozy is my favorite soft paper bedding. It's kind of simlar to CareFresh, but I've found it to be superior in every way. It expands more, it's generally cheaper for the volume, and it's definitely less dusy in my experience. It won't be quite as good as fleece, because I think basically nothing other than maybe large shredded cardboard bedding would be the same.
I use fleece now for my rats cage, and in their litter boxes I've been using a mixture of Clean&Cozy and Yesterday's News, which is a pretty popular paper pellet litter. It's not soft though- literally it looks identical to my rabbits food; both my rats and my rabbits tried nibbling it when I first switched over haha. I don't think it would work well for a whole cage though; if you wanted to litter train, the two litters are different textures enough that the contrast might be helpful for box training.
Right. I feel like fleece is definitely advantageous because it's reusable. Some people don't like the added laundry aspect. However, it's a little expensive in the beginning, but after a certain amount of time it has paid for itself - 2 months/$50, 4 months/$100, 6 months/$150, 8 months/$200, 10 months/$250, one year/$300. That is a lot of money.
This guinea dad liner for the midwest cage is $55:
https://www.amazon.com/GuineaDad-Burrowing-Absorbent-Antibacterial-Waterproof/dp/B073ZYWQN4/ref=sr_1_2?gclid=CjwKCAjwnf7qBRAtEiwAseBO_MOVzFeW_lh4mMI_pVGhKHkk6KPJVWDRVpuhn8OaW5nJ5u_KYTB02xoCYgMQAvD_BwE&hvadid=345510530283&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1020183&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2734722235487833297&hvtargid=aud-649564993678%3Akwd-654904489321&hydadcr=10696_9614689&keywords=guinea+dad+liners&qid=1566588199&s=gateway&sr=8-2
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Back-Nature-Small-Animal-Bedding/dp/B003XLBV3S
Been using wood shavings for about 4 years now, (and we tried fleece for about 3 months, that didn't work out at all) and we just switched to this stuff two weeks ago. It's amazing.
The peegs just don't smell any more after a week.
Sure this stuff is more expensive, but it's worth every penny. It's also very heavy so you don't need much. We have three cages worth and the 30L bag gives us two weeks worth of changes.
its very cheap wood chippings used for horse boxes 25kg (thats 55 american lbs) cost about 15 euro /
european variant:
https://www.amazon.de/TierWohl-Pferdeeinstreu-Einstreu-Weichholz-Granulat/dp/B009684OB8/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=194592416150&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9061131&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=b&hvrand=6635283516480369389&hvtargid=kwd-298994208896&keywords=tierwohl&qid=1562008003&s=gateway&sr=8-1
u.s. variant
https://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Aspen-Bedding-Bag-226-5/dp/B0002DK8PW/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=dust+free+shaving&qid=1562008128&s=gateway&sr=8-2
(there might be cheaper options, ask a local horse range what they use)
I got my rabbit a litter tray like this, because it keeps her feet from getting wet. https://www.amazon.com/Ware-Manufacturing-Plastic-Scatterless-Lock-N-Litter/dp/B000HGB8W6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=57148735838&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjJvTzZae4wIVkVMNCh0zmwy3EAAYASAAEgIyDfD_BwE&hvadid=274742932789&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9007518&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10661022131528808959&hvtargid=kwd-3711556477&hydadcr=14755_9766142&keywords=rabbit+litter+boxes&qid=1562343390&s=gateway&sr=8-3
I use paper litter. You can use other products. Just google if it's safe.
I generally feed my rabbit timothy hay and a mixture of salad leaves. There is information online as to which leaves are safe and what quantities are ok.
Fruits, berries, carrots, etc. are like candy to rabbits. Give these in small amounts and look up if they're safe to eat first. I usually get raspberries, blueberries, or bananas. (My rabbit is obsessed with bananas.)
It is difficult to control hay. You will have to clean a lot.
I get all my fleece from JoAnn stores. They often have fleece at 50% off per yard, so you can buy it in bulk and use it as needed. Any large fabric store will have lots of fleece in stock (I just prefer JoAnn because that's the best one I have in the area I live in). I'm sure you know this already, but just in case, please don't use cedar or pine chips as bedding for your rats; it's harmful to them. You can use fleece or aspen chip bedding (but freeze the aspen for 48 hours prior to use to make sure it's free of parasites).
I buy many rat toys on Amazon, and make some myself. If you're buying any kind of wooden rat toy, do be aware that many of them are made from soft woods like pine and cedar, which are super bad for rat respiratory systems. Hardwood toys are usually safe—just make sure it's not a combination wood that also has pine or cedar in it along with the hardwood. I personally do not buy wood toys on amazon, because the products often don't list what kind of wood they're made of. The only wood product I buy on Amazon is bags of untreated apple branch chewing sticks. I'll link you to some rat-safe toys and accessories I buy on amazon below! :)
Kaytee Lava Ledge
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00176F466/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
15" Chin Spin - Small Animal Exercise Wheel - Handmade in USA (Expensive, but it's the very best and safest wheel for rats.)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GJ6SDBQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Bright Starts Lots of Links Accessory Toy (Great for hanging things up in the cage.)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ABZGU2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1
Small Animal Activity Toy Cotton Rope Net For Rat and Ferret Pet Bed for Parrot and Hamster Parrot
https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Activity-Cotton-Ferret-Hamster/dp/B0777NWKT9/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1519011945&sr=1-2&keywords=rat+rope+net
Kaytee Igloo Hideout, Large
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068K132/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
ACCO Binder Clips, Medium, 2 Boxes, 12/Box (A7072050) (If using fleece as the bedding/liner in your cage, this helps to secure fleece to the Critter Nation pans.)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TQ8FDB8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap - Baby Unscented, 32oz. (I don't use any scented products with my rats since rat respiratory systems are so fragile, so this is the non-scented liquid soap I use to wash my hands and their non-fabric toys.)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DAI76TC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Pawliss Teeth Grinding Lava Block for Hamster Chinchilla Rabbit
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HGHA6VW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Aspen/Booda Corporation BBX56134 Byrdy Cable Cross Bird Toy, Medium
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WRHTG6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
200g(7oz) Apple Sticks Pet Snacks Chew Toys for Guinea Pigs Chinchilla Squirrel Rabbits Hamster(About 50-70 Sticks) by MAIYUAN (The only wood product I buy on Amazon.)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WLL641Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Ware Manufacturing Fun Tunnels Play Tube for Small Pets (Medium.)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LUMU9M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Ware Manufacturing Plastic Scatterless Lock-N-Litter Small Pet Pan- Colors May Vary (Regular size, not jumbo.)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SLICDA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
JW Comfy Perch for Birds (Large, 36".)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AR754/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Lixit Critter Space Pod 2 Large (You can hand these on the ceiling of the Critter Nation. My boys LOVE these!)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002X2NBNQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Lixit Lbg-16 Glass Small Animal Bottle 16 Oz (16oz is always best for rats because of the bigger water spout. I've found that smaller bottles are a struggle for my boys to get water out of, so I only use the small ones for rat carriers/transporter cages. Tip: filtered water is best for rats, so if you can, get a Britta water filter.)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WYCFK0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Yummy Time Tiny Small Stoneware Pet/Dog Bowl
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NAUMYDC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I buy Harlan Teklad (Envigo) food blocks for my rats, which is one of the top two for rats (the other is Oxbow Regal Rat). Harland Teklad is hard to find though, so I buy mine through this animal rescue:
http://weecompanions.org/healthy-food
If you get these blocks, freeze them to extend their shelf life, and take them out from the freezer as needed to fill your ratties' bowls. Harlan Teklad is great because they have several formulas for rats based on their age, which is super helpful for their health. Young rats up to 8 months usually eat Harlan Teklad 2016 (16% protein), and after 8 months they eat Harlan Teklad 2014 (14% protein).
Also, I don't have a link for this, but the best laundry detergents to use to wash your rats' cloth toys or bedding with is one that's non-scented and is sensitive on skins.
Um, if I think of anything else, I'll add it. But for now, it's already a ton. :P Enjoy!
(And feel free to message me if you have any questions!)
This is what we buy for our hamster and 2 Guinea pigs. Works great
Kaytee Aspen Bedding Bag, 226.5 L https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DK8PW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Zbh.BbHZ7XDZM
Yes. I personally prefer this stuff because it is mostly dust-free and does a great job at absorbing and not stinking... I like the non-scented variety.
Edit to add: Carefresh is nice but this is comparable in a pinch.
I like to put the pellets in the bottom of the litter pan and then put some white fluffy stuff on top. It helps with the cost but I do it because the white fluff helps me to monitor bun's urine color and watch for sudden potential changes in wellness.
My ratties do the same thing. I ended up getting a litter pan with a grate (this one) and it solved the issue for us. Some rats are pickier than others about litter pans with grates, but they've gotten used to it.
I use this litterbox with the white tray removed, and Yesterdays News litter. I stuck it in the poop corner and they trained themselves.
I used the water botle that came with the All Living Things Starter cage, but my boys are in my bedroom and the nighttime drinking noise was intolerable. I got them a locking dish and I like it, they like it. But I started to worry they weren't drinking enough water, so I got a Lixit valve bottle and I love it. My boys love it too, they picked it up very quickly.
Just out of curiosity, how did they chew through the plastic bottle? Was it mounted inside the cage?
Wow. That would add up fast! Good thing you don't have to buy it anymore. Just a heads up in case you or anyone you know ever needs it again you can get these http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007R6G8JW?refRID=B03SNCYT070YS3GPE4P6&ref_=pd_bia_nav_t_1
for only $10.99 on Amazon!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PBM6WHW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502439063&sr=8-1&keywords=carefresh
I use this, or sometimes other brands depending on prices. Lots of clean cardboard gets shredded by my guys and mixes in with time. I also mix a little Timothy hay in, and provide more on the surface occasionally (but they can be allergic to hay as well).
Allergies are likely what you're seeing, which should clear up quickly once the allergen is removed. Is your current bedding Aspen?
Do consider other factors that could be bad for respiration and potentially allergens as well, such as smoke, cleaning products, scented things, etc.
Update:
I asked my vet about the new Carefresh and she said that the amount of baking soda in there is minimal and shouldn't be a problem if the rabbits are not prone to respiratory diseases. However, there IS indeed a slightly different "smell" to it which apparently I'm not the only one who noticed.
I did find this stuff and I REALLY like it in lieu of Carefresh: Green Dreamzzz I called the company and there is absolutely nothing in this except cut up phone books printed with soy ink.
It needs changed every day rather than every other day like the Carefresh, but worth it. Even though the Carefresh might be OK for the buns, the smell of the new stuff (even clean right out of the bag) is just kind of "wierd" to me and the Clean Dreamzzz doesn't smell like anything. (but the name of the product is kind of odd...)
Yess I’m in the u.s. The brand name is Small Pet Select.
Small Pet Select Jumbo Natural... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CPO7JW0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
That should bring you right to it !
Also, best part, free prime delivery !!
Wow! Thank you so much for this guide! I will definitely keep referring back to it as I set them up.
I am not sure of their genders or reproductive status, so I will be asking the last owners. They literally just put the bunnies in this cage on their porch and said free rabbits to good home, so I have no idea. They definitely seem bonded.
I’m buying one of these for their hay, so they always have access to it. I’ll order some pellets while I’m at it.
Would one of these suffice for litter?
I’m so lucky to already have an exotic animal vet, one that does cater to rabbits, in my area. I’ve taken my snakes there before.
I just want to give these babies as good a home as I can, especially since I don’t think they were treated well at the last place. I gave them hay, fresh water, a small carrot, and some collard greens when I got home with them a couple of hours ago, and they have not stopped eating since. I’m not sure if this is just rabbit behavior or not. Either way, they’re much happier now!
i got a litterbox with a scatterlock which really helped with the digging (dont buy this one because i think this is too small but the pic is right - https://www.amazon.com/Ware-Plastic-Scatterless-Lock-N-Litter-Colors/dp/B003SLICDA/ref=pd_lpo_199_bs_img_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=N56729VK8WXAX20ED7MD)
I've noticed that the Small Pet Select paper bedding has less dust than Carefresh, so it might not aggravate your allergies like Carefresh did.
These simple masks have helped my SO's allergies during cage cleaning.
There is also sometimes a tissue-paper-like material that is low dust.
https://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Clean-White-Animal-Bedding/dp/B007R6G8JW
http://www.amazon.com/Absorption-Corp-Carefresh-Hamster-gerbil--Natural/dp/B00OUVDCVY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1426979748&sr=8-4&keywords=carefresh+custom
It's called Eco Bedding, and it's my favorite. They have unscented, or another with a very light scent that seems to control other odors a bit longer. It's zigzag-folded strips of paper, so it expands as they burrow in it. And there's no dust at all. It's great. We get it at one of the major chains (Petsmart or Petco, I can't keep them straight).
My Syrian hamster has been very happy in this cage for the entire first year of his life so far. After a few days of exploratory climbing he has not once chewed on his bars or ever acted stressed because he wants out of his home.
30.5 x 8.5 x 18.5 inches:
http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Habitat-Multi-Level-Exotics-18-Inch/dp/B00CETSHN2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
Excersize:
I recommend purchasing a Wodent Wheel 11inch http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JD8I2Y/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687462&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B005Y41UPQ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1JBB5ENE1BEBPRFYR6JR
and Flying Saucer 12 inches : http://www.amazon.com/Ware-Flying-Saucer-Exercise-4-Inch/dp/B001AT62H0/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1462212985&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=flying+saucer+hamster+11+inch
Bathing and Natural Nail Trimming:
Also pick up some flat Reptile Rocks for underneath his water bottle so he will trim his nails naturally and a large ceramic bowl (needs to be deep not so much wide) filled with Repti Sand Desert White (No Calcium) http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSand%C2%AE-Pounds-Desert/dp/B0002DIZKC/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1462213181&sr=1-1&keywords=desert+white+repti+sand
My hamster is a fan of these Apple Orchard sticks for teeth filing though his lab blocks are semi hard and also good for dental health trimming.
http://www.amazon.com/SuperPet-Apple-Orchard-Sticks-Pieces/dp/B001CCXMP0/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1462213890&sr=1-2&keywords=apple+wood+sticks
After you get those things pick up this item as a natural grass burrow for him to sleep in and clean his cage once every week. Plastic burrow are just awful for air circulation, and my hamster never liked them at all when i didnt know any better.
http://www.amazon.com/Ware-Nature-Willow-Grass-Small/dp/B001ATBMCU?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00
For food I feed my hamster Higgins Sunburst and Kaytee Forti Diet Lab blocks everyday with fresh fruit and veggies every two days. Remember your hamster stomach is the size of your pinky finger nail so portion small. He loves 3-4 lab blocks a day with a small spoonful of nuts, seeds and fruit from the Higgins. Remember though 3 Sunflower Seeds max a day or they will get fat and unhealthy.
http://www.amazon.com/Higgins-Sunburst-Gourmet-Hamsters-Gerbils/dp/B009GHII5W/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1462213536&sr=1-1&keywords=higgins+sunburst
Looks like this but for Hamster not rat and mice:
http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Forti-Health-Mouse-5-Pound/dp/B001VJ56Z8/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1462213507&sr=1-1&keywords=kaytee+forti+hamster
For bedding you want UNSCENTED (it messes with their respiratory system if its scented) this Kaytee Clean and Cozy is what I use. Absorbs liquid good and keeps the smell down if its close to cleaning day.
http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Clean-Cozy-Small-Bedding/dp/B015MJB8PO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1462214215&sr=1-2&keywords=kaytee+bedding
and last but not least. Buy TWO water bottles in case one of them jams overnight you DO NOT want your hamster to suffer from dehydration. They do not need much water, but when they need it, they need it fast or will get sick quick. The kaytee water bottles have issues with the spout pointing straight so buyer beware. They often dont align properly into the cage bars. But they do work and dont leak for me. Stick with GLASS water bottles, it just tastes better honestly. 6 ounces if you will change the water daily. 12 ounces if you are not as attentive.
http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-SSR61982-Animal-Bottle-12-Ounce/dp/B007TUNWM2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1462214981&sr=8-4&keywords=kaytee+water+bottle
It seems like a lot of money at first and it is but this hamster will be your new furry friend and relies on only you to care for it, so give it the best and longest life possible. You will have one happy hamster if you get all that and will never need to upgrade anything when your Syrian grows bigger.
I switched from Carefresh Naturals to Kaytee Clean and Cozy. You can get a 1000 inch cube bag of bedding for like $11 and if your order is over $35 you get the free shipping. I bought one like 6 months ago and I've used about half the bag. You don't need that much on the bottom of the cage either. I do a 1 inch layer that is loosely compacted and even then my rats will end up moving it around the entire cage.
Also NO DUST so yay!
If you don't have one already, I'd highly suggest getting one of these. My rabbit stays way cleaner with this type of litter box.
I use this litter pan for my two boys: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003SLICDA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_j0DlzbJ3W8E5A
And for water bottle I use one from Walmart, don't remember the brand. It has an adorable print all over it, haha. I had trouble with water bottles not working but this one has been really good!
Oh I love that enclosure! I think my buns would love that, I'll definitely look into it! What do you have as the floor?
And my litter box looks very similar to yours. I was looking at some litter boxes of this style: https://www.amazon.ca/Ware-Manufacturing-Plastic-Scatterless-Lock-N-Litter/dp/B003SLICDA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3PKGK01MHW4WG&keywords=bunny+litter+box&qid=1554858618&s=gateway&sprefix=Bunny+li&sr=8-1
I thought that maybe something like this would help contain the mess a little bit since they aren't sitting directly in the bedding, and then maybe put a bunch of hay in a big bowl in front of it or something. At least in my living room. What's the concensus on this style of litter box?
The mess they make is what it is but it would be nice to tone it down a bit if possible. My lionhead is especially messy cause all the hay sticks to her fur and she drags it everywhere!
Thanks! :D Nope, it's the large double story (the L12 I believe?). If you got the single story version yours is probably the L02. I actually kept our double story version as a single story for a while when I was still in school and traveling back and forth from home all the time. I thought the single story was huge until I finally set up the double - for a single p'let it's definitely a mansion!
The bedding is this. It looks a little pricey on the face but it's literally the cheapest I could find (Kaytee jacked up the price of what I used to get recently) and a single bag lasts forever. With spot cleaning twice a week (remove a handful of soiled bedding, replace with a handful of fresh) I usually can get away with not changing the whole pan for almost a month.
Thanks, they are such cuties. The bedding is called Back to Nature (not sure if it's available outside the UK though!)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003XLBV3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zxZgybANW81GF
I buy this one, but same idea. Seriously, makes a big difference compared to kaytee
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PBM6WHW?pf_rd_p=731c2082-c3b6-4ec5-ba3b-337a0516607d&aaxitk=vAPiCNQq4XfQKatnGWBNWg&hsa_cr_id=4384742620501
https://www.amazon.com/Supreme-Tiny-Friends-Chinchilla-Bathing/dp/B005OCXN1M/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=54129025137&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrfvsBRD7ARIsAKuDvMPew9xtwouOJR1MFqzwxoVITDnqR76qmI_DSP3q242Xnleue0B5nk0aAsikEALw_wcB&hvadid=274723852721&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9033356&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6621402770649031636&hvtargid=kwd-317896535195&hydadcr=8807_9904219&keywords=gerbil+sand&qid=1570717544&sr=8-3
This is the sand I buy for their litter
I have a dollar store, gerbil only sieve I use to sift out the Lil poops and re-use the sand a couple times.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007R6G8JW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
> I am asuming it is this one that you bought https://www.amazon.co.uk/carefresh-Custom-Hamster-Bedding-Natural/dp/B00OUVDCVY
If it is that one then the dimensions are there "Product Dimensions: 33 x 10.2 x 17.8 cm", and come out at slightly less than 6 litres at 5991.48cc.
I have the same litter box, except mine came with a metal grate. I fill the bottom with wood chips, bunny does her business, and it gets caught underneath the grate so her feet don't get messy. The white clip secures the grate so the bunny cannot lift it up.
box with grate
Possibly, it would be hard, but you must not use the clumping kind. Rabbits get sick and die if they eat or inhale the dust from some kitty litters. It is probably best to just get a separate box. It would be difficult to integrate them into one they can both use. Bunnies like to munch on hay while they potty, so you will want hay in or next to the bunny box. Personally I like this one because it has a grate that keeps bunny feet clean Ware Plastic Scatterless Lock-N-Litter Bigger Pet Pan, Jumbo, Colors May Vary https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HGB8W6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_gJuywb30ZH226 and this litter is great : Green Pet Aspen Supreme Pellets Pet and Bird All Natural Litter/Bedding https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000634C6O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_uKuywbYKCJX55
And don't use cedar chips or cat littter.use carefresh and hay.
http://www.bunnyhugga.com/a-to-z/housing/rabbit-bedding.html
Carefresh Complete Pet Bedding, 60 L, Natural https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PBM6WHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fIyyyb243J4YH