How to make paper bedding for rats? - briefly
Tear newspaper into small strips, soak them in warm water, wring out excess moisture, and let the material dry fully before adding it to the cage.
How to make paper bedding for rats? - in detail
Paper substrate for laboratory or pet rodents offers an economical, absorbent, and low‑dust alternative to commercial bedding. The following guide outlines material selection, preparation, sterilization, and maintenance.
Select appropriate paper. Use unbleached, non‑glossy newspaper, printer paper, or shredded office paper. Avoid glossy magazines, colored inks, or paper with strong fragrances, as these can contain chemicals harmful to rodents. The paper should be free of staples, tape, and adhesives.
Prepare the material.
- Shred the paper into strips 1–2 cm wide; a kitchen shredder or hand tearing works.
- Soak the strips in warm water (≈40 °C) for 10 minutes to increase pliability and reduce dust.
- Squeeze excess water gently; the substrate must be damp but not dripping.
Sterilize the bedding.
- Place the damp strips in a sealed heat‑proof bag.
- Heat in a steam cooker or pressure cooker at 121 °C for 15 minutes.
- Allow the bag to cool to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation on the cage.
Arrange the bedding in the enclosure.
- Spread a uniform layer 5–7 cm deep on the cage floor.
- Ensure the bedding covers the entire surface, providing a soft base for nesting and a medium for waste absorption.
Maintain the substrate.
- Spot‑clean daily: remove soiled clumps and replace with fresh strips.
- Perform a full change every 7–10 days, or sooner if the bedding becomes overly damp or odorous.
- After each full change, repeat the sterilization step to keep the environment hygienic.
Optional enhancements.
- Add a small amount of shredded paper towel to increase absorbency.
- Include a dry, unscented wood shavings layer beneath the paper for extra insulation, if desired.
By following these procedures, a reliable, low‑cost paper bedding can be produced, providing rodents with a comfortable, safe, and hygienic habitat.