Rabbit bedding can make or break a habitat. You can’t have a clean and dry space without proper bedding! Additionally, the wrong bedding can introduce allergens or toxins to an otherwise healthy space.
It also affects the appearance and the smell of your rabbit’s enclosure. This is something you want to get right!
What To Look For In Rabbit Bedding
When it comes to rabbit bedding, you want maximum absorption without sacrificing health. A rabbit explores their world and their enclosure with their nose. Bedding is no exception to that. In fact, it’s fluffiness is extra tempting to stick a nose in!
For this reason, check your bedding packages and look for:
sludge-free
low-dust
no artificial fragrances or chemicals
absorbent to keep the enclosure dry
Sludge is a byproduct of paper production and contains dioxin which is toxic to rabbits. When it comes to paper bedding, make sure the paper used to create the bedding has never been printed on. The ink brings toxins into your rabbit’s home.
Today we’re running through six great options for rabbit bedding and why you might love each one. To the litter box!
Speaking of, Sara is talking about how to set up a rabbit litter box on YouTube!
Soft Paper Bedding
Soft paper bedding is probably the most popular option when it comes to rabbit bedding. Soft White Paper Bedding isn’t 100% compostable so if you’re looking for something that breaks down entirely then Soft Brown Paper Bedding is exactly what you need.
White paper bedding can be better for spot cleaning, but with rabbits, you’re usually only using bedding in the litter box and you want to dump the whole thing and start fresh often.
Floral Soft Paper Bedding
Another soft paper bedding option - Floral Bedding! This bedding is infused with dried flower petals that create a light, naturally fragrant bedding. It also adds a beautiful color to a rabbit’s habitat.
It’s important to stay away from scented rabbit bedding that uses chemicals to create the scent. It’s not safe for a rabbit to breathe in these chemicals every day. The smell is also a lot stronger down where they’re sitting!
Small Pet Select makes safe Floral Bedding for rabbits in 3 varieties:
lavender
rose
Aspen Shavings
Our Aspen Shavings Bedding is heat-treated, low-dust, sludge-free, and has no aromatic oils. It’s another great option for the compost pile!
It may need to be changed more often than soft paper bedding as it’s slightly less absorbent but for those looking for bedding shaved from logs, this is a great natural option!
Paper Pellet Bedding
Paper Pellet Bedding is a popular choice for people who like to spot clean as the soiled pellets are very easy to spot!
Some rabbit parents will layer their bedding with pellet bedding on the bottom and softer bedding on top. Paper pellet bedding is very absorbent! It’s just not as soft under your bun’s feet.
It’s created with paper that's never been printed on so it’s clean and eco-friendly!
Pine Pellet Bedding
This Pine Pellet Bedding is very dense and absorbent. It’s also 100% compostable. It’s not a good choice for animals with sensitive or sore paws. For those animals, scroll back up to the soft paper bedding!
The natural pine scent aids in odor control and the high density makes for excellent odor control. Sanitation: A+
Hemp Pelleted Litter
Hemp Pelleted Litter is a new option on the market! And it sure brings some good ideas with it. Hemp is extremely absorbent and 100% biodegradable.
Hemp farming benefits the environment by capturing up to 10 tons of CO2 per acre (much more than trees). It’s also very easy to grow without pesticides making it a great material for safe pet products.
What To Avoid When Choosing Rabbit Bedding
Never use cat litter for your rabbit! Cat litter is designed to expand and bulk up when it gets wet. If a rabbit swallows the cat litter it will bulk up in their stomach and cause a blockage.
Let’s review a few other things you want to avoid:
cat litter
dusty bedding
bedding made from consumer-used paper (has had ink on it)
paper products made with sludge
bedding scented with chemicals
It’s never too late to upgrade your rabbit bedding!
Proper Rabbit Bedding Makes Your Job Easier
You need at least 3 inches of bedding at the bottom of your rabbit’s litter box for most of these bedding options. The bedding in the litter box should be replaced at the very least once a week.
You need to deep clean once a week where you wipe out the box with a rabbit-safe cleaner. Vinegar mixed with water in a spray bottle works great. The bedding is then completely replaced.
If you have multiple rabbits, you’ll need to clean the litter box more often of course!
When you aren’t using absorbent bedding, moisture is left in your rabbit’s enclosure which makes it harder for your rabbit to keep their skin dry. It’s also the beginning of a smelly situation.
When you use proper bedding your rabbit stays comfortable, and your house stays odor-free longer.
Most importantly, your rabbit stays healthy and happy! So, spruce up your bun’s bathroom with natural, safe rabbit bedding.
We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice.
Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.
