Rabbits are cuddly, fluffy pets that bring joy and comfort to your home. However, being a rabbit owner entails more than just cuddling your soft bunny. As a responsible pet owner, you want to make sure your rabbit has a comfortable and safe bedding in which to live a happy life.
Providing a comfortable material for them to lay and play on is part of providing the best environment. Rabbit bedding is one such material that requires careful attention and care for your rabbit hutch.
Unfortunately, not every substrate on the rabbit market is good for their health. As a result, it is your responsibility to weigh your options and select the best bedding for your button-nosed pal. Here we have listed some factors to consider and types of bedding available to help you make the right choice.
Factors to Consider
You can’t just pick one out of a pile of bedding materials at the pet store or feed store. It is critical to select small animal bedding that promotes comfort, ingestion, absorbency, temperature, and safety. Your decision will determine how comfortable and happy your rabbit’s life will be.
Comfort
Rabbits spend a significant amount of time resting and sleeping. As a result, the materials they spend the majority of their lives laying on should provide them with extreme comfort and deep sleep. Rabbits prefer to sleep in burrows and piles of bedding. Your substrate should be soft and fluffy, just like your pet!
Ingestion
Rabbits chew to explore their surroundings, and they frequently consume hutch bedding. As a result, you must ensure that the material you use is safe for your rabbit to consume. It is not a good idea to choose bedding that your rabbit will want to chew on all the time, as this is bad for their diet and digestion.
As a result, it must be safe enough that if they do take a nibble, they will not be harmed. Providing a variety of chew toys for stimulation and exploration will also help to reduce bedding ingestion.
Absorbency
Rabbits can be litter trained, which is a fascinating fact. If your rabbits are trained, highly absorbent bedding throughout the hutch is unnecessary because they will only pee and poop in one location. Having mildly absorbent bedding, on the other hand, is the best way to keep your rabbit dry and comfortable.
Non-potty trained fur balls are also protected from excess ammonia entering their lungs by absorbent bedding. This is critical for protecting your rabbit’s respiratory system throughout its life. Some owners may use cat litter beneath a substrate layer to help with absorption, but it is not a good option as a substrate on its own.
Temperature
When rabbits sleep, their body temperatures drop. The best way to ensure that your rabbit gets deep and restful sleep is to provide a substrate that keeps them warm and helps with temperature regulation. Providing a separate enclosed, fluffy, and warm sleeping area will make your rabbit feel safe and comfortable.
Safety
Rabbits have short legs and prefer to stay low to the ground. They spend a lot of time lying down and bouncing around in their bedding. Bedding with sharp or pointy edges is dangerous for rabbits because it can irritate their skin and get caught in their fur. It is also hazardous for rabbits to breathe in a substrate that generates a lot of dust, which can irritate their sensitive eyes and lungs.
You should purchase rabbit bedding that will encourage rather than prevent your cutie’s hutch adventures.
Rabbit Bedding Options
Now that you know what to look for in rabbit bedding, here are the most popular options. They all have advantages and disadvantages, but they all strive to give your pet the best life possible.
Fleece Bedding
Lining your rabbit’s hutch with fleece cloth is a great way to provide a soft layer for their sensitive feet and bellies. Fleece is ideal for outdoor rabbits because it keeps them dry and warm on cool evenings. Fleece is not required but is a comfortable option for indoor rabbits. Many owners line the hutch bottom with fleece before laying down another substrate for burrowing rabbits.
Paper Bedding
When it comes to comfort and softness, shredded paper bedding is an excellent choice. It is an excellent burrowing material that is widely available in pet stores. For an environmentally friendly option, you can also make it yourself using ink-free recycled paper. Paper bedding, on the other hand, is not very absorbent and must be changed frequently because it does not eliminate odors.
Wood Rabbit Bedding
Wooden rabbit bedding is a popular option, but it is critical to choose the right type of wood. Pine and cedar are toxic to rabbits and can cause respiratory problems as well as liver disease if consumed. Aspen wood is safe for rabbit bedding and is available in pellets and shavings.
It is critical to remember that just because a product is marketed as rabbit bedding does not imply that it is the safest option. It is always a good idea to double-check the ingredients.
Hay Bedding
Hay has long been used as rabbit bedding due to its chewability. It is not, however, the best substrate for small pets who like to burrow because it can have sharp points that can harm small eyes and noses. Hay is also not a good option for odor removal and requires thorough cleaning on a regular basis. Small amounts of hay, in addition to other bedding, provide fun entertainment and exploration for your rabbit.
Best Rabbit Bedding
Coziwow bedding is becoming a popular rabbit bedding option. Choosing the best bedding for your pet is a big decision. To create a comfortable and safe rabbit paradise, choose bedding that promotes that environment. You have many options, and we hope that this information assists you in keeping your pets happy and healthy.
We have assisted hundreds of responsible pet owners in providing the best bedding for their fluffy animals. We believe that Coziwow bedding can benefit your rabbits by improving their quality of life. Our team is always available to answer any questions you may have about it or other bedding options.