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Nesting material for rodents and rabbits – kapok, cotton, hemp and more
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
Nesting material for rodents & rabbits
A good nest is just as important as good bedding for many small rodents. Hamsters, mice, gerbils, and rats like to drag materials to their sleeping areas and build their nests exactly as they like. In this category, you'll find nesting materials that are soft, easy to shape, and suitable for daily use. For larger animals like guinea pigs and rabbits, the focus is more on comfortable resting (for example, in a basket or on a mat), while nest building is especially important for pregnant rabbits.
At DRD Rodent Shop® (specialists since 2011), we're happy to help you choose the right one for your pet and your habitat. Looking to combine bedding or create a complete base? Then check out Bedding & Nesting Material and the subcategories like Cotton , Hemp , Paper & Cardboard , and Mats & Pee Pads .
Mouldable material for hamsters, mice, gerbils and rats.
Kapok and cotton for airy comfort, hemp for extra body.
Clear selection aid, quickly delivered from our own stock.
Why nesting material?
- It supports natural behavior: dragging, collecting and “arranging”.
- It helps to provide warmth and security in the sleeping area.
- It makes a stay just that little bit more interesting and varied.
Types of nesting material in this category
Our range includes roughly three nesting styles. Choose what suits your pet (and feel free to mix and match).
Kapok
Airy and soft, with loose fibers that are easy to shape. Perfect if your pet likes to build a warm, compact nest.
Cotton nesting material
Soft and comfortable, often with a light texture (some varieties also contain pressed cotton seeds). Suitable for nesting and lining.
Hemp nesting material
Provides more structure and stability. Useful if your pet likes to "sculpt" or if you want a nest that stays in place more securely.
Selection aid per animal
- Hamsters : true nest builders. Kapok and cotton are popular for a soft nest, while hemp is great as a textured layer or mixed material.
- Mice and gerbils love to drag and build. Airy materials often work very well, with a little structure to help them retain their shape.
- Rats: They enjoy gathering materials for their sleeping areas. Both nesting materials and soft resting materials can work well.
- Guinea pigs and rabbits : they usually don't build their own nests. They often prefer to lie on a soft surface. See also mats & pee pads . (Pregnant rabbits do build a nest, usually with hay/straw and their own fur.)
- Chinchillas, degus: Baskets and resting materials can be fun, but pay extra attention to gnawing behavior and replace it promptly if an item is gnawed open.
Use & combine
- Provide nesting material in a fixed, quiet place in the enclosure (for example in or near the sleeping house).
- Start with a generous pluck and add more as soon as you see the nest getting thinner or material has been removed.
- For extra nesting fun, you can combine nesting material with paper and cardboard variants: Paper & cardboard .
- Want to create a complete base? Combine nesting material with a suitable substrate: substrate .
Checklist: How to quickly choose the right nesting material
- Is your animal a real builder (hamster/mouse/gerbil/rat) or mainly a “lyer” (guinea pig/rabbit)?
- Are you mainly looking for softness (kapok/cotton) or more structure (hemp)?
- Does your pet like to destroy things? Then baskets or resting materials are fun, but it's wise to check them regularly.
- Want to combine them? Feel free to mix it up: a soft base and a bit of texture often work very well.
Hygiene
- Replace wet or soiled nesting material immediately and replenish with clean material.
- When cleaning the sleeping area, empty it, let it dry and then provide new nesting material.
- Are you using baskets or soft resting materials? Follow the product's care instructions (and always let them dry thoroughly).
Good to know
- Our nesting material is selected for its pleasant use in nest building and daily habitat.
- Avoid classic “hamster cotton”/cotton-wool-like tufts with long, stringy fibers: these are less practical for nest building and can get caught.
- For baskets and resting materials: watch for gnawing behavior. If an item becomes noticeably open or frayed, replace it.
FAQ Nesting material
How much nesting material do I provide?
Start with a generous amount and add more when you see the nest thinning or when material has been removed. For nest builders, "always have something on hand" is best.
My hamster immediately destroys baskets. Is that bad?
Many small rodents like to gnaw on materials and then use them in their nests. This is normal behavior. However, be sure to check for frayed areas or loose threads.
Do guinea pigs and rabbits use nesting material?
Usually not for actual nest building. They often prefer to lie on a soft surface. See also mats & pee mats . Pregnant rabbits do build a nest, often with hay/straw and their own fur.
We're happy to help you choose materials, combine them, and design options. Feel free to contact us via our service page .
