Can shredded paper be used as rat bedding?

Shredded paper makes excellent bedding for rats. Confine yourself to plain, unprinted sheets. It will appeal to their instinct to shred and furnish them with comfortable nesting material. It is best used in conjunction with absorbent pellets to control moisture.

Shredded paper also supports some natural rat behaviors. Rats came to me already familiar with shredding and rearranging their bedding to create a nest. This is a delightful activity for them to do, stimulating their brains and helping to alleviate boredom. Paper strips enable a complex tunnel system, similar to their natural habitat of burrowing in the wild.

For best results, combine shredded paper with absorbent pellets. Paper alone does not do an adequate job of controlling moisture. Add paper pellets that absorb urine to the mix. A 70% paper, 30% pellet mix works best. This maintains a dry cage surface while retaining useful nesting characteristics for your rats.

Monitor the rats as they use any new, shredded paper bedding, to see if it is too dusty and causing them to sneeze. Also, observe to ensure they are not eating it, which could indicate other signs of deficiencies. Ensure the bedding is kept clean, dry, and dust-free. Wet bedding can cause respiratory problems that affect rats.

Correct storage preserves unused paper bedding. Moisture and contaminating cleaning chemicals should be avoided. Shredded paper should be stored in containers with airtight seals to prevent it from being exposed to air. Each time you reuse shredded paper, check for mold or any other infestation.

Read the full article: Ultimate Guide to Small Animal Bedding