Can Rats Use Pine Bedding?

You may wonder if rats can use pine bedding. This wood is widely used for floor covering and is usually reasonably priced. However, it contains phenols that are harmful to rats’ respiratory systems. Hence, it should be mixed with softer materials. Furthermore, it will be more absorbent than other materials, so you must alternate bedding more frequently.

However, you should know that pine and cedar shavings contain chemicals that are harmful to rodents. The acids present in these materials can cause damage to the respiratory tract and organs. It is better to avoid using these types of bedding materials. In fact, they can cause respiratory infections in pet rats, which is the leading cause of death among rats.

The size of the package matters. It can affect the price of the bedding and the space you have to store it in. Moreover, you should choose a bedding that is labeled for small animals. The best bedding is the one that performs well and provides a good value for the money.

Another alternative to pine bedding is cedar shavings. It has a pleasant scent that masks rat odors. However, it does not have the same odor-controlling qualities of pine. This material is also more expensive and hard to obtain in large quantities.