Polski
Bedding & Nesting Material for Rodents and Rabbits
You can easily and quickly order ground covering and nesting material for rodents and rabbits at DRD Rodent Shop ®
Good ground cover is the foundation of a comfortable habitat: it supports digging, foraging, and resting, and helps keep the habitat fresh and hygienic. With the right nesting material, your pet can also create a safe, private space. At DRD Rodent Shop® (specialists since 2011), we select ground covers and nesting materials based on comfort, ease of use, and what best suits your pet's natural behavior.
How much ground cover do you need?
Want to quickly know how many liters of ground cover you need? This calculator will help you calculate it in seconds. Useful for both a base layer and a deeper excavation.
Formula
(length × width × layer thickness in cm) ÷ 1000 = liters
- ✔ Preferably measure the internal dimensions of your accommodation (L × W).
- ✔ Choose your desired layer thickness in cm (depending on animal, behavior and layout).
- ✔ When spreading deeply, always allow a little extra: ground cover sinks after application.
- ✔ Number of bags: required litres ÷ content per bag .
Example: 100 × 50 cm with 20 cm layer → (100×50×20) ÷ 1000 = 100 liters .
Practical calculation aid from our daily advisory practice — specialist since 2011 .
Good to know: our cotton bedding is made from 100% natural cotton and has been carefully selected as a fine, reliable choice for rodents.
For hamster scaping, tunnels and natural behaviour.
Extra important for sensitive airways (e.g. rats).
From absorbent litter to soft mats/pee mats.
Clear selection assistance, fast delivery from our own stock.
Subcategories Ground Covering & Nesting Material
Soft, often low-dust and useful for nesting and top layer.
View Paper & Cardboard →
What will you find here?
- Excavable substrate for tunnels and natural behaviour (e.g. hamsters, gerbils).
- Low-dust options for sensitive animals and/or owners who want extra comfort.
- Nesting material that allows small rodents to build their own nest.
- Sand for bathing/care and enrichment (depending on animal species).
- Mats & pee mats as a comfortable, absorbent base or “dry zone”.
For which animals?
- Hamsters: prefer a deep, diggable layer + suitable nesting material; often also a sand bath.
- Gerbils: love to dig and tunnel; sand can also be part of the enrichment.
- Mice and rats: be extra careful when choosing dust-free nesting materials; use nesting materials for comfort and shelter.
- Guinea pigs: often prefer a dry, comfortable base (mats/pee mats) and a suitable top layer.
- Rabbits: Comfort and hygiene are paramount; mats/urine mats can be practical, and straw can provide extra structure.
- Chinchillas & degus: Sand baths are important for grooming; choose a sturdy, suitable material.
Checklist: how to choose the right ground cover
- Purpose: digging, comfort, absorption, or a combination?
- Sensitive to dust? Then choose (extra) low-dust options.
- Absorption: important for larger animals or places where a lot of urination occurs.
- Layer structure: base layer + top layer + nesting material often works best.
- Behavior: Does your pet chew a lot? Then choose materials that suit your pet.
Practical tips
- Work in zones: a “sleeping zone” with nesting material and a “toilet/feeding zone” that is easy to keep clean.
- Digging deep? Combine a stable base with a diggable layer for sturdy tunnels.
- Sand bath: place the bath in a fixed location (preferably stable) and replace the sand when necessary.
- Observe: If your pet sneezes a lot or seems irritated, choose a softer or less dusty bedding.
Hygiene & maintenance
- Daily: remove wet spots and visible dirt (spot cleaning).
- Weekly/periodically: replace (parts of) the substrate depending on species, habitat and occupancy.
- Mats/Puddle Mats: Wash according to product instructions and let dry completely before reuse.
Safety
- Dust: for sensitive animals (e.g. rats), preferably choose a low-dust bedding.
- Clean materials: avoid using "outdoor wood" or unknown branches/leaves as ground cover without a safe source.
- Sand selection: Use sand intended for bathing/grooming rodents (not all sand is suitable).
- Inspection: Check regularly for mould growth (especially in wet areas or organic materials).
FAQ Ground Covering & Nesting Material
What is a good basis for a natural stay?
Often a combination works best: an absorbent base, a diggable layer (if appropriate for your animal) and nesting material for comfort.
Why is low-dust important?
Some animals are more sensitive to dust. A dust-reducing bedding often keeps their habitat more pleasant and comfortable.
How often should I refresh?
This depends on the animal species, size of the enclosure, and how many animals you have. Spot-clean daily and refresh periodically based on odor, moisture, and soiling.
