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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.
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.
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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 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.
