Kiln Dried Pine Bedding For Rats? The 127 Detailed Answer

I have raised various rodents including rats. I love writing about animals and sharing my knowledge of how to take care of them.

Find out which types of bedding you should give your rat and which types you should definitely avoid. Free photo on UkrMedia, CC-BY 2.0, from flickr

Safe bedding options for rat cages

Bedding for pet rats is important not only for your rat’s comfort, but also for yours. A good litter absorbs urine well, keeping your rat dry and healthy. The best bedding for rats are the following:

Litter made from paper pellets

Straw pellet bedding

Shredded cardboard sheets

Cloth bedding

How often should I change my pet’s bedding?

Remember that even high-quality bed linen needs to be changed regularly. I recommend changing the bedding once a day – yes, it’s a little extra work, but it means your rats aren’t wallowing in their own dirt, and it also means no particles of rat feces and urine getting through to you blow through at home for days.

Of course, my rats are currently babies and not trained to litter. If your dog is litter box trained and doesn’t urinate and defecate all over the cage, you may be able to get away with longer intervals between full cage cleanings.

Bug the rat sleeps on owner Jessica Florence’s bed.

Types of bedding for domestic rats

I’ve structured this article with the best rat bedding options above, then moving on to bedding that should never be used on rats.

The best bedding

Paper pellet bedding: Paper pellets (like Carefresh) are an ideal bedding for rats because they are absorbent and relatively inexpensive. They get soggy when they get wet and stepped on, but you should probably replace them anyway when they get dirty unless you want your home to smell like rat piss.

Paper pellets (like Carefresh) are an ideal bedding for rats as they are absorbent and fairly cheap. They get soggy when they get wet and stepped on, but you should probably replace them anyway when they get dirty unless you want your home to smell like rat piss. Straw Pellet Bedding: Straw pellets work similarly to paper pellets and are also safe for rats as they are non-toxic and absorbent.

Straw pellets work similarly to paper pellets and are also safe for rats as they are non-toxic and absorbent. Shredded Cardboard Bedding: Shredded cardboard bedding works well for rats because, similar to paper pellets and straw pellets, it is a fairly natural and inert substance.

Shredded cardboard bedding works well for rats because, similar to paper pellets and straw pellets, it is a fairly natural and inert substance. Cloth Bedding: Some people prefer to put cloth in their rat cage and clean the cloth daily. This is a valid option, especially if your rat appears to be allergic to other types of bedding. However, it is important that the cloth is in good condition; A shabby fabric can cause injury if it wraps around your rat’s legs or tail.

Ok bedding

Paper Scraps: You have to be pretty careful with scraps of paper as the ink can be poisonous to rats. It will also “bleed” on them and discolor them if you’re not careful. Shredded paper bedding should probably only be used if none of the above alternatives are possible.

Bad Linens – Don’t Use These!

Cedar & Pine Bedding: I’m really not sure what you can actually use cedar & pine bedding for as they are not the most suitable types of small animal bedding that I have ever owned. Both types of bedding smell great, but they give off toxic fumes that can and will make your rats sick.

I’m really not sure what you can actually use cedar and pine bedding for as they are not appropriate types of small animal bedding that I have ever owned. Both types of bedding smell great, but they give off toxic fumes that can and will make your rats sick. Cat litter: Cat litter, especially the clumping kind, can form clumps in your rat’s stomach and make them life-threateningly ill. It also often has a dust that isn’t particularly good for your respiratory system. While you could get away with using natural, non-clumping cat litter, it really isn’t advisable at all.

Kitty litter, especially the clumping kind, can form clumps in your rat’s stomach and make them life-threateningly ill. It also often has a dust that isn’t particularly good for your respiratory system. While you could get away with using natural, non-clumping cat litter, it really isn’t advisable at all. Corncob Bedding: This is another type of bedding that, as far as I can tell, is nearly useless for almost any animal. Corn cob litter can cause choking problems and appears to have a tendency to mold. I wouldn’t leave it there long enough to get moldy though, and if you do you probably have bigger problems than mold.

Safe and happy sleeping rat. Michael Chiara on Unsplash

This article is accurate and truthful to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal and individual advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs and symptoms of stress should be presented to a veterinarian immediately.

Layla Williams on 04/07/2020:

I’ve read that rats are prone to breathing problems if the litter is dusty, so carefresh is the best option?

Maria Burch on February 11, 2020:

What about aspen bedding?

Ahsha on 11/01/2018:

Thanks for the info on rats! I’m about to have a rat and want to be prepared.

Ellis on January 15, 2018:

This site is very useful!

At least for me.

Rat Lover x on November 27, 2016:

I don’t own a pet rat yet, but hopefully soon. I can’t believe there are people who don’t like rats. there so cute!

I wanted to get a hamster but my father was bitten and his rats never bit him and hamsters sleep during the day and are noisy at night. PS I have a bearded dragon

Esward Borre on November 20, 2016:

Therefore, while this article is dead wrong when it comes to pine bedding, it is quite informative

Stephanie Giguere from Worcester, MA on January 4, 2013:

I love the picture! I have always used Carefresh on my rats and also gave them my old socks for bedding. I hope to get more soon!

Natalie on February 19, 2012:

Cute photo, I use cut fleece for my rats. I buy a BUNDLE of fleece blankets at my local dollar store. They are inexpensive. I cut up the fleece blankets and use them for all the bedding. Once or twice a week I collect all of the fleece but into a few laundry bags to keep it all together and launder normally. This is a great, affordable alternative to wood shavings or newspaper. I also use the same fleece cut in larger sections as hammocks in a cage. All in all, it will be more affordable and convenient for everyone, a real win-win situation. **As an aside, I keep my rat litter exercised. This has allowed me to use reusable materials in the cage without too much mess and odor. Throwing training is very easy with small patients, it only takes a few weeks or a month or perseverance

christinepurr on 11/08/2011:

Great hub!! I LOVE rats, they are probably my favorite pet next to dogs, and bedding is such an important factor in rat keeping. Pine and cedar can shorten rats’ lives, and many people don’t know it! I like to use fabric bedding. The rats have fun chewing it up and building their own nests or wherever they like to put it lol. I don’t mind laundering linens and it’s probably more cost-effective than constantly buying bags of pellet linens.

Jeannie Marie from Baltimore, MD on October 13, 2011:

You are so right! Why are there pine or cedar beds at all? I keep hearing they never use it, but you can get it at any pet store. Strange! Very helpful hub and cheered!

Michele McCallister from USA on October 13, 2011:

Very interesting and informative hub. Definitely a great resource for pet rat owners. I don’t have a pet rat and probably won’t either as I’m a bit scared of them and my pet pal Kipperdoodles the dachshund would probably have a hard time. Cute picture!! Keep it up!! Agreed and interesting.

Helen Murphy Howell from Fife, Scotland on October 13, 2011:

This was a really interesting node and I loved the photo at the beginning – so cute!! I’ve never owned a pet rat, so I didn’t realize how many precautions you had to take with bedding and such. Very useful information.

Voted!

Kiln dried wood is exactly what it sounds like – wood that has been dried in a kiln. A kiln is a type of furnace. While it is primarily used for drying wood, kilns have been around for thousands of years and have historically been used for pottery and other purposes. Aside from being faster than air drying, there are a number of reasons why those involved in the lumber industry choose to kiln dry their wood.

To fully understand kiln dried wood and why it is growing in popularity, it helps to learn how the tree is processed into quality lumber and its benefits. The following is a complete overview of how oven drying works and the pros and cons associated with it.

Wood absorbs moisture

First, let’s look at why wood needs to be dried. When it comes to lumber, three terms are commonly used: green lumber, air-dried lumber, and kiln-dried lumber. Green wood refers to lumber boards from a tree that has recently been harvested.

Because the wood has not had a chance to dry, it is generally very damp and heavy with rainwater. Kiln dried lumber refers to the process of drying green lumber in a kiln (kiln), and air dried lumber refers to the process of allowing the lumber to dry over time in a covered area.

Therefore, the problem is that wood is initially wet after being felled and cut into boards, and it needs to dry. The problem with air drying is that it can take several months before the ideal moisture level is reached and available for construction purposes.

Kiln dried wood offers a more efficient way of removing moisture from the wood while ensuring the wood is strong, durable and retains an attractive appearance.

How is wood dried in a kiln?

The first step in the wood manufacturing process is harvesting trees. The harvested tree or trunk is transported to the sawmill where it is cut into planks (green planks). The wood is then sorted and sorted according to length and quality. As already mentioned, the wood is still wet at this point.

The wood may need to air dry for a short time (usually a few weeks) before it can be placed in the kiln. Ideally, the wood weight should be about 70 percent wood and 30 percent moisture before going into the kiln.

Once it has reached the ideal moisture level, it is placed in the oven. The kiln drying process can also take several weeks, and someone will likely need to monitor the kiln to ensure each piece of wood is drying at the same rate. You can control the drying speed by adding and removing moisture inside the oven.

Once the wood’s moisture content is less than 10 percent, it can be removed. The wood is then checked for quality and should be ready to be used in construction. Kiln dried wood is best suited for making furniture and for home and commercial flooring, although there are a number of potential uses for it.

What are the advantages of kiln drying wood?

Perhaps the most notable benefit of kiln dried wood is that it dries much faster than air dried wood. This is a great advantage for manufacturers, since they can sell the wood faster. But there are also advantages for the consumer.

Kiln-dried wood typically has fewer defects than air-dried wood. Also, the high temperatures used in the process can kill algae, fungus and mold on the products to ensure the quality of the wood.

As mentioned earlier, kiln-dried wood is great for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. It usually looks smoother and many find it easier to achieve the finish with it. Despite this, it is still strong and durable enough to be used for other purposes as well, including as a fence, decking and other outdoor uses.

The only downside to kiln dried wood is that it can be more expensive than air dried wood on average. For manufacturers, the costs are almost always higher, which also causes increased costs for the consumer.

Camp out with Curtis Lumber

Curtis Lumber offers a range of lumber types including kiln dried lumber. We ensure all our wood is of the highest quality and can customize your order to suit your specific needs and preferences. If you are interested in learning more about our wood, contact us today.

We can be reached by telephone and e-mail and respond immediately to all interested parties. A member of our friendly team will be happy to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision on what type and amount of wood is best for your project.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Wood is a useful and natural material to use around your rats. It is commonly found in many commercial substrates, cage litter, rat toys, and chews. But it’s also easy to source and make at home, and it’s an asset to your rats.

So how do you decide which wood is safe to use? And how do you prepare the collected wood to make sure it is not dangerous for your rats? Which woods are potentially poisonous for rats and must be avoided?

It’s natural to be cautious and question the safety aspects when giving wood to your rats. But offering rat wood can have tremendous benefits, and today we’re giving you the confidence you need to make good decisions.

Which are the safe forests for rats?

All woods fall into one of three categories:

Rat proof wood. Wood that is safe for rats with some caveats. Wood which is poisonous to rats and should never be given.

So let’s look at the first two categories. In order to say that some piece of wood is always safe for rats, we must first establish some general rules. These are:

Do not use wood from trees or hedges bordering pesticide-treated fields.

Don’t use wood from dead or rotting trees — or fallen branches unless you’re sure which tree they came from.

Don’t use wood if you can’t see the whole tree (if there is a problem with the part of the tree that isn’t visible).

Do not use wood that supports the growth of another plant (like ivy) or fungi. A little bit of lichen is generally fine as it can be removed with a potato peeler – more on this when preparing your wood.

Do not use roadside wood that is subject to heavy traffic, as it may be contaminated with chemicals from car exhaust.

The Center for Animal Rehab and Education lists 89 trees or groups of trees that are generally considered non-toxic to animals. For rats, like safe food lists, safe wood lists vary widely, and it’s not easy to know who to believe.

Our researched list includes 20 types of wood that are among the best for rats, including some that are often listed as poisonous on rat lists but aren’t.

Our 20 safest woods for rats

Apple

pear

pasture

hawthorn

bamboo

hazel

birch

beech

Maple**

ash

dogwood

crabapple

purple

mulberry

magnolia

grape vines

aspen

alder (not red)

pecan

poplar

**Sugar and Silver are the types of maple that are safe for rats.

As well as the woods listed, there is a selection of trees that the wood can be used on if you take the time to prepare it properly. The most useful of these are European cherry, plum and apricot.

These timbers are sometimes deemed unsafe but some are commonly used with rats in the UK where a naturalistic cage building revolution is currently underway!

They require special preparation to make them safe, and we’ll look at how to do that in a moment.

Another wood that requires special preparation to be safe is white pine. It is commonly used in rats as a cage substrate, but must be oven dried to evaporate the potentially toxic chemicals (phenols) that are naturally released from the wood over time.

Forests poisonous to rats

Shavings of softwoods like cedar and untreated pine release aromatic phenols (the things that make them smell good to us), which can have a toxic effect on the rat’s liver and irritate the respiratory tract.

Other woods known to be toxic include:

box elder

yew

red oak**

prairie oak

redwood

liguster

sage

boxwood

hemlock

laurel

blueberry

juniper

buckeye

red alder

orange

Red Maple

jasmine

hydrangea

sea ​​buckthorn

holly

**Any red wood tree is usually poisonous due to the high tannin content in the wood.

Some fruit trees are potentially toxic when used fresh from the tree and should always be dried thoroughly (1-3 months) before use. These include cherry, apricot, peach, plum and nectarine.

Foraging wood for rats

You may be lucky enough to have some suitable trees in your yard, but if not, the next best option is to see what you can find from friends. Most trees – and plants, like bamboo – need regular pruning, and many people have no use for the trimmings.

Another option is to identify a group of safe trees in a safe place and wait for the next lucky break. This is a good way to get branches when all the trees are of the same species, because once a branch has fallen it’s not always possible to tell which tree it came from.

If you have access to private forest, or know someone who has, you may be able to take a suitable branch directly from a tree. In this case, always use caution and do not take too much or cause the tree to be deformed.

If you live near a managed forest, try speaking to the company that manages it. When trees are felled, smaller branches are often sawed off and left behind as waste.

Always source safe wood from a clean location that will not use pesticides or be exposed to street pollution.

Prepare branches for your rats

If you’re looking for twigs, you’ll need to prepare them before giving them to your rats. Trim or saw off any thorns (e.g. the tip of each hawthorn branch), rotten or unwanted side branches. Dip the twig well and scrub in salt water, then rinse. This will remove parasites and small insects. Dry off with an old towel. Use a sharp potato peeler to remove any rind that shows signs of lichen. Allow to dry thoroughly in a warm, dry place (garage, closet, utility room, etc.). The drying process can take weeks to several months and destroys any toxins that may be present in the central greenwood/sap. For small knots, the drying process can be accelerated in a warm oven. After drying, your branch is ready to use.

Care of your wooden items

Over time, your wood and branches will begin to smell. But don’t worry, because this is easy to handle. Simply leave them upright – exposed to the weather – outdoors for several days.

You can rinse them first when they are dirty or when the season is very dry. Then – once the smell is gone – bring them inside and let them dry for a couple of days before putting them back in the cage.

Types of branches and their uses

Long, thick, and dividing branches are great for climbing in and out of the cage. Climbing is a natural rat behavior and will help keep your rats fit and muscular.

Slices cut from large branches can make great perches and chew toys. Many variations are available for purchase. These are designed for birds and are perfect for rats.

Tfwadmx Bird Perch Stand, Wooden Platform for Parrot Cage Natural Wooden Playground Cage Accessories…TOTALLY NATURAL MATERIAL & HIGH QUALITY — The bird perch is made of natural apple wood. Applewood is hard, non-toxic, and nutritious to bite into. Applewood has a natural texture that is easy to grasp

IDEAL GIFTS FOR YOUR PET — The natural apple wood is loaded with uneven surfaces, which not only provide your pet with wonderful exercise and amazing foot massage, but also provide an ideal place for your friends to chew, play, climb, rest and keep healthy .

EASY INSTALLATION – Simply unscrew the screw, place the branch at the desired height with a spacer on each side, then tighten to keep the attachment in place.

ENJOY THE FUN — Fun to play, climb and rest, relieve boredom and increase activity levels. The perch toy offers your pet a nice and cozy place to play and exercise.

SIZE — Rod length is 3.9inch and platform diameter is 3.5-3.9inch, total length 7.3*7.8inch. The bird perch stand provides hours of active fun for your pet bird. I believe you and your bird will like it.

Short branches make great perches, and those made from Java wood have some interesting shapes. This one that is grapevine is great.

Sale kathson Parrot Barch Stand Bird Cagestand Pole Natural Wild Grape Stick Grinding Paw Cage… ❤ 100% NATURAL VINES: This parakeet bird toy is made from real vines! This means that each of our habitats is unique in shape, thickness and size.

❤SIZE: The length is about 9-12 inches, the diameter is about 0.7-1.1 inches. Bird perches for parrots are perfect for chewing and gnawing. Perfect toy for your friends to relax and have unlimited fun!

❤SAFE AND EASY TO INSTALL: Because they are made from natural vines, these cage habitats are super safe for all types of birds including parrots, macaws, cockatoos, large bird parrot perches and parakeets.

❤ A PET HABITAT: Provide the parrot with a living space to stand or rest in the cage. Give your pet a treat and have a few hours of fun watching them play.

❤RISK-FREE SHOPPING: We are committed to 100% customer satisfaction. So if you find that you are not satisfied with us or our products, please contact us, just refund, we will reply within 24 hours, we will make every effort to work hard to make sure you are 100% satisfied are.

Small sticks are great for playful interactions and chewing. They can also be lined up to form a rope ladder in the cage. This bird ladder is suitable for rats.

Sale Prevue Hendryx 62807 Naturals Rope Ladder Bird Toy, Large Naturals toys are handcrafted from 100% natural, sustainable materials

Your bird will benefit from hours of mental stimulation and robust physical play

A variety of natural textures encourage foot exercise

Easily connects to the cage with Quick-Link attachment

26 inches long and 6 inches wide

Bamboo stalks add natural texture and interest to the cage environment. You can leave the leaves hanging from it for your rats to enjoy.

The benefits of using wood in your rat cage

Wood is an organic material that would be part of the rat’s natural habitat.

Offering a rich array of textures, smells and tastes, wood provides sensory enrichment for your rat.

Wood provides excellent opportunities for climbing, balancing, and jumping, and provides your rats with physical enrichment by enabling these natural behaviors.

Wood can be gnawed without hesitation. The process of gnawing not only helps maintain a rat’s dental health, but is important to our rats as a focused, self-soothing behavior. Essentially a way of dealing with stress.

Frequently asked questions about sticks for rats

Can rats have pine cones?

Yes, you can. You can purchase these as part of a pack of natural rodent chews:

Sheen’s 5-Piece Natural Wood Molar Tooth Grooming Toy Set, Fully Responsive Activity Toy, Chinchilla… Promotes Healthy Teeth — The natural wood molar tooth care toy set helps grind down your pet’s ever-growing teeth. They also provide distraction and help prevent your pets from chewing their cage and other furniture.

Unique design brings more fun — Beautiful shape and delicate appearance, can be used to grind pet’s teeth, making pet’s life more comfortable and happy.

Satisfies Instinctive Behavior — All animals, even domesticated pets, have natural animal instincts. It can meet the needs of hamsters who like to play, disassemble, chew, but also develop brain intelligence.

All Natural Material — The safe and reliable chew toy is made of 100% natural materials with no plastic, metal or glue. Fine workmanship, smooth surface without burr, safe for your pet.

Scope of application — Suitable for pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and other small pets.

Or you can find and prepare them yourself. It’s best to look for them when they first fall from the tree. Clean and bake dry according to wood directions. Use a very low oven for several hours.

Can I give treated wood to my rats?

No, wood for rats should be plain and untreated. Wood treatments are full of chemicals that are not safe to chew and possibly eat.

Can I feed my rats balsa wood?

Yes, many rodent toys are made from balsa wood. It is safe wood for rats to gnaw on, but it is soft and can be destroyed quickly.

Can rats eat wood?

Rats tend to gnaw and shred wood, but typically do not eat it. They have special flaps of skin that cover the gap between their front incisors and their molars. These are designed to prevent bits of gnawed material from being accidentally swallowed.

A starving rat could intentionally eat some wood, and small amounts of the ingested wood powder would be broken down by bacteria — which digest cellulose — in the rat’s appendix.

resolution

Now you see that rats appreciate wood in their cage and free range areas, and you can reliably find and prepare the wood yourself. You’ll know which woods are safe and which to avoid, so your rats can look forward to plenty of safe, woody activities and fun.

Last update on 07/31/2022 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

You should be able to find heat treated lumber at a local lumber supplier. Timbers from certified heat treated lumber manufacturers are stamped with the letters “HT” along with other markings and codes. If you have a source of old wooden pallets and plan to reuse the wood to build raised beds or other garden structures, make sure they are built from heat-treated wood and not pressure-treated wood, which might contain substances that can leach into the soil of your raised bed.

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Choosing the right bedding is essential if you want your hamster to be happy and healthy.

One of the most popular bedding options for small animals is pine – but is it safe for your hamster?

Let’s find out!

Get Your Own Hamster Owner’s Guide!

Can hamsters use pine litter or cedar wood?

Hamsters cannot use pine or cedar bedding as it is unsafe for your hamsters (even if oven dried) and may contain harmful substances such as phenols and plicate/abietic acid.

The wisest choice is to use a type of bedding that does not contain phenols or plactic/abitic acid, such as B. Aspen bedding or plant-based paper fiber bedding.

If you want a full explanation of why the phenols and acids found in pine and cedar bedding are harmful to hamsters, read on.

READ MORE: How to get your hamster to drink water?

What are phenols?

Phenols are a type of acidic chemical compounds naturally found in coniferous trees. Cedar and pine trees are both types of coniferous trees and therefore contain phenols.

To learn more about exactly what phenols are, I would have to delve into the chemistry and molecular structure. I think that’s a bit beyond the scope of this article, but if you’re interested, you can read all about phenols on this page.

All you really need to know is that phenols give pine, cedar, and other conifers their distinctive smell, and allowing your hamster to breathe in that phenol-rich smell 24/7 is bad for their health.

Why are phenols bad for hamsters?

If your hamster is exposed to phenols over a long period of time, it can develop serious long-term health problems.

Inhaling the aroma given off by pine and cedar phenols can damage your hamster’s lungs and cause breathing problems.

It can also cause irreparable damage to the liver, kidneys, and heart, which can give your furry little guy (or girl) a shorter life expectancy and quality of life.

What is plicate/abietic acid?

Plictate acid and abietic acid are actually two different things, but so far I’ve combined them in the article introduction for brevity.

Plicate acid is an irritant found in cedar wood and abietic acid is an irritant found in pine wood.

Although these acids have different molecular structures, for the purposes of this article they are essentially the same thing. Prolonged contact with either can make your hamster sick.

For more safe bedding alternatives, watch this video:

Why are plicatic and abietic acids bad for hamsters?

Both plicate acid and abietic acid have been labeled as skin and respiratory irritants by OSHA, and that label is supported by scientific research.

While no specific research has been done on hamsters, extensive research has been done on rats. The scientists found that exposure to both types of acids caused significant damage to the rats’ respiratory cells, which could lead to chronic lung damage.

Constant exposure to the fumes given off by cedar and pine trees is not healthy for any type of animal, and literally living in cedar or pine shavings is probably the surest way to ensure they’re constantly exposed to these toxic acids .

While any negative health effects caused by these irritants would be long-term, it’s still best to avoid using cedar or pine for long periods of time.

The jury may be debating how long it would take for your hamster to get sick from pine or cedar bedding, but the jury is very much in agreement that they will eventually get sick from it.

Doesn’t oven drying remove phenols and plicate/abietic acid?

One of the more common beliefs about pine and cedar bedding is that kiln drying the wood before converting it to bedding removes the unwanted phenols and acids.

This is not necessarily true. The primary purpose of kiln drying wood is to remove water – not phenols or acids. As such, the typical temperature of kiln dried wood ranges from 100° to 240°F.

Depending on the company responsible for kiln drying, there is a significant risk in purchasing bedding that has not had the harmful acid removed, as the melting points of these acids are on the higher end of this range.

The other problem is that there is no industry standard for kiln drying wood. Each manufacturer has their own preferences, and purchasing litter made from pine or cedar leaves your hamster’s health and quality of life at the mercy of the litter manufacturer.

Also Read: Is Hay Good For Hamsters?

Why even make bedding from pine and cedar wood?

The short answer is that most governments don’t care too much about the long-term health of small pets.

As a result, they do not impose any laws or regulations on the bedding that can be made for these pets. This means that the small pet bedding industry is basically a jack-of-all-trades where anything goes.

As long as the bedding material is not obviously harmful, companies are free to market it and sell it to unknowing pet owners.

The other reason is that cedar and pine are not obviously harmful. It can be years before a hamster experiences any ill effects.

At this point, they are already approaching the end of their unfortunately short lifespan.

When they die, no one performs autopsies or investigates the environmental factors that may have caused the death. It’s just accepted that hamsters don’t live long, and everyone moves on.

READ MORE: Tips for caring for a hamster

Do other types of bedding contain these toxic substances?

Phenols can be found in all conifers, which include (but are not limited to) hemlock, juniper, sequoia, spruce, and yew.

However, cedar and pine are the only conifer species typically used for hamster bedding, so be wary of phenols and acids when using other wood-based bedding such as aspen.

What kind of bedding should I use instead?

There are many options that can be used for hamster litter. In addition to cedar and pine, I recommend you avoid these types of bedding:

Shredded Newspaper: The ink on the paper can be toxic and your hamster will almost certainly eat the paper.

: The ink on the paper can be toxic and your hamster will almost certainly eat the paper. Kitty Litter: Again, your hamster will likely try to eat the kitty litter, which can cause digestive problems.

: Again, your hamster will likely try to eat the kitty litter, which can cause digestive problems. Corn on the Cob: While uncooked corn chunks may seem like a good fix at first, they can go moldy over time. The kernels’ large and relatively hard exterior also causes digestive problems when your hamster tries to eat them.

I recommend using one of the following types of litter as they are both effective and non-toxic:

Dust-free paper bed linen

aspen shavings

Plant fiber based bedding

READ MORE: Do hamsters get lonely at night?

frequently asked Questions

Can the phenols, plicatic acid, or abietic acid in pine and cedar bedding harm me or my family? no The concentration of these substances in hamster litter is far too low to harm humans. My hamster has been using pine or cedar bedding for some time. Will they experience these health problems? Not necessarily. There have been reports of hamsters using pine or cedar bedding and living healthy lives. It is better to use bedding such as aspen or paper, which will definitely not make your hamster sick. Do hamsters need bedding? Bedding is essential for hamsters as they need bedding to build their nest.

references

Ayars, Garrison H, Leonard C Altman, Charles E Frazier, and Emil Y Chi. 1989. “The toxicity of constituents of cedar and pine forests to the pulmonary epithelium.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 83(3):610-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-6749(89)90073-0.

“Home | Occupational Safety and Health Administration.” 2021. Osha.gov. November 15, 2021. https://www.osha.gov/.

PubChem. 2021a. “Abietic acid.” @Pubchem. PubChem. 2021. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Abietic-acid.

———. 2021b. “Phenol.” @pubchem. PubChem. 2021. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Phenol.

———. 2021c. “Plicate acid.” @Pubchem. PubChem. 2021. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Plicatic-acid.

Can hamsters use pine litter or cedar wood? Is it safe for you? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

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By Barbara on August 26, 2021

Chewy is AMAZING!!

I was in Oregon with my mom and my dad died, after he died the next day i read an email saying my card was declined but taken out of the bank so i called to find out what was going on he said not to worry the order was paid for, i told him how i was in oregon and my dad died a few days later after i got home, chewy sent me flowers and your condolences

The problem seems that I can’t find a suitable litter for my mouse.

I tried torn newspaper. It was fine until smells came out. I knew she hid her excrement down there, so I cleaned it up and put dirt in it instead. She extremely dislikes it, because she cannot hide either from us or from loud noises around her. She’s forced to use the house I have for her or the toilet roll, but they don’t hide either well enough.

On the other hand, using dirt allows me to focus more on her and see what she’s doing, which is very useful for me since I panic when I can’t see or hear anything in the cage.

Sometimes I have to wake her up just so I know she’s okay. Now I’ve removed the dirt because I found out she took him out of the cage in protest or in an attempt to make a hole.

I need advice on what type of cage floor and bedding to use.

Who, what, why?

Toilet paper rolls and paper towels serve a dual purpose as your rat can use them as both bedding and bedding. On top of that, you don’t necessarily have to do the shredding yourself. Place a partial roll in the cage and let your rat have fun tearing it to pieces. However, if you’re replacing the litter entirely, you may need to start the process by shredding enough to line the bottom of the litter box until your rat tears up enough to meet its needs.

Choosing bedding for rats in a cage is one of the most important decisions a rat owner makes. Rats live in very close contact with their bedding, so it’s important that it’s safe, comfortable, and meets their needs.

Why do rats need bedding?

There are three types of bedding needed in a rat cage:

Substrate in the bottom of the cage to line the cage and give the rats something to burrow into.

in the bottom of the cage to line the cage and give the rats something to burrow in. Litter for the toilet to absorb urine and feces and promote good toilet habits. The most common option for this is an unscented, 100% recycled paper cat litter that is only placed in litter boxes to help rats get used to toilet areas. Avoid mineral or wooden litter and anything with added perfume.

for going to the toilet, absorbing urine and faeces and promoting good toilet habits. The most common option for this is an unscented, 100% recycled paper cat litter that is only placed in litter boxes to help rats get used to toilet areas. Avoid mineral or wooden litter and anything with added perfume. Nesting material for rats to line their sleeping quarters. Most people use paper kitchen towels (the same stuff as the paper nesting supplies sold in pet stores, but a lot cheaper), unscented toilet paper (you can hang an entire roll in the cage and let the rats do the rest), torn newspaper with non-toxic ink, or cut pieces of fleece (for all fabrics in a rat cage, choose something that will not form long threads when cut or chewed, and remove any pieces with holes that a rat could get tangled in). My rats tear up their newspaper cage liners because the Horde loves nothing more than taking control of their own cage.

The most important decision is what type of bedding to use for the substrate, so let’s take a look at the options.

Good types of litter for use as substrate

The substrate has three roles:

to protect the bottom of the cage from urine and feces;

to make the rats comfortable so they don’t always walk on metal or plastic;

and to give rats something to dig up because rats really love to dig well.

If you have a cage with a deep plastic bottom, such as B. the Kaytee Multi Level cage, then a suitable loose substrate can serve all three purposes. If you prefer a flat-bottomed cage like the MidWest cage, you can either build your own deeper bowl or line the cage with newspaper or fleece and provide loose substrate in a bowl or box to dig over. I line my cage with newspaper as the rats like to tear it up and I find fleece stinks very quickly. It’s a personal choice though – the only important criteria are that it’s safe and meets the needs of the rats.

A good loose substrate must:

Little dust (look for something that says dust was vacuumed). Rats are really prone to respiratory diseases, and living and digging in a dusty substrate will irritate the lining of their nose and lungs. For this reason, coarse bedding is often better than fine ones.

(Look for something that says it’s been dusted). Rats are really prone to respiratory diseases, and living and digging in a dusty substrate will irritate the lining of their nose and lungs. For this reason, coarse bedding is often better than fine ones. Unscented . Bedding materials sold for small animal cages often contain artificial fragrances or are made from a material with a strong natural odor, such as pine shavings. The idea is to mask the smell of urine for the owners. However, both are really bad ideas for the rats. Again, this is because they are very sensitive to breathing problems. When we smell a scent, cells in our nose detect volatile chemicals given off by the source. This applies to a natural smell as well as to an artificial perfume. Just like dust, these chemicals can irritate a rat’s nose and lungs, making them more susceptible to disease. Urine odors must be treated through good hygiene, not masked.

. Bedding materials sold for small animal cages often contain artificial fragrances or are made from a material with a strong natural odor, such as pine shavings. The idea is to mask the smell of urine for the owners. However, both are really bad ideas for the rats. Again, this is because they are very sensitive to breathing problems. When we smell a scent, cells in our nose detect volatile chemicals given off by the source. This applies to a natural smell as well as to an artificial perfume. Just like dust, these chemicals can irritate a rat’s nose and lungs, making them more susceptible to disease. Urine odors must be treated through good hygiene, not masked. Physically safe. It is important that a rat cannot injure itself on its litter. Two things to watch out for are any litter with sharp, pointy bits that could poke a rat’s nose or eyes (straw, for example, can be too hard and sharp), and anything with long fibers that might become trapped a rat could get tangled in its legs or neck.

. It is important that a rat cannot injure itself on its litter. Two things to watch out for are any litter with sharp, pointy bits that could poke a rat’s nose or eyes (straw, for example, can be too hard and sharp), and anything with long fibers that might become trapped a rat could get tangled in its legs or neck Non-toxic. Obviously, rats should never be bedded on anything that can make them sick if they eat it.

Having owned rats for almost twenty years, I have tried many different substrates and I don’t have a particular favorite. In fact, I regularly use several different types to provide my rats with variety in their environment. I either change things up when cleaning the cage, or I mix several strains together in the dig box.

Some of the loose substrate materials I regularly use as bedding:

Carefresh paper bed linen (natural and unscented). This is a recycled paper bedding that comes in big fluffy pieces and rats love to burrow into them. It’s important to double check that you’re buying the right product for you, as there are scented and colored options that I personally don’t use on rats.

Cardboard bedding. Depending on the brand, this may be in the form of shredded cardboard or cardboard squares. It is very popular in the British rat world and is excellent for burrowing. However, some people do not like the fact that glue is used in cardboard manufacturing.

Shredded Paper. This is a really cheap/free option if you have a shredder and access to a lot of unwanted office paper. I often mix something in digging boxes. You should only use matte paper printed with non-toxic inks, and I’ve found that it needs to be made via a cross-cut shredder (so you get lots of short pieces). Long strips can be matted and also tend to have sharp edges. Shredded paper tends to compress a lot and doesn’t absorb urine well, so I mix it with one of the other beddings for better performance.

This is a really cheap/free option if you have a shredder and access to a lot of unwanted office paper. I often mix something in digging boxes. You should only use matte paper printed with non-toxic inks, and I’ve found that it needs to be made via a cross-cut shredder (so you get lots of short pieces). Long strips can be matted and also tend to have sharp edges. Shredded paper tends to compress a lot and doesn’t absorb urine well, so I mix it with one of the other beddings for better performance. Hemp bedding. This has recently become popular as an all-natural alternative to wood chips. There are several brands depending on where you live – I find mine locally available to be a bit fine, and I tend to mix it in with something coarser.

Coconut shell bedding. This is a product that was developed for reptiles but has gained popularity among small animal owners as another natural alternative to wood shavings. I currently use a medium sized version mixed with hemp in my main bud box. Some brands are high in fiber, so it’s worth checking carefully when purchasing to see if they’re suitable for rats.

Wood chips – the good, the bad and the ugly

For a long time, most small pets were bedded on wood shavings, usually pine or cedar. You can still buy these at most pet stores, and people often use them as a cheap option. However, they are very controversial in the rat world. This is because the cheap options are often dusty, and the woods used contain phenols (the chemicals that give them their smell), which have been linked to respiratory diseases and other health problems in rats.

Personally, I haven’t used wood shavings in many years, but some people in the rat community still prefer them to paper-based litter (which contain inks and chemicals from processing). It is important to remember that not all chips are created equal. A new product that some rat owners are using is horse bedding. These larger wood chips are fully dedusted and oven dried, which is said to remove the phenols through heat treatment. Haven’t tried these (they’re only available here near the trailer load!) so can’t make a recommendation at this time.

The most important thing with any litter is to think critically about its safety and how it suits your rats. Try each new product in a small amount and if you find your rats start sneezing or feeling uncomfortable, stop using it immediately, regardless of whether other owners like it. Rats, like humans, are individuals and can be sensitive to a variety of things.

What bedding do you use for your rats?

Featured photo by: iMlyaa / Reddit