Animal Substrates and Bedding

Pros

Cut whilst green and dried for the best quality

Used as part of the animals diet and provides them with essential nutrients

Baled for storage

Cons

Expensive

Can be wasted by animals dropping it on the floor

If it gets wet, it become mouldy and must be thrown away

• Straw

• Soil

• Hay

• Feed Pellets

Pros

The most commonly used animal bedding

Versatile

Readily available

Creates a drainage layer

Easy to compost

Cons

Animals will eat their beds

Bulky to store

Must be kept dry to avoid mould growing

• Hay

• Straw

• A duvet

• Shredded paper

Pros

Very absorbent

Provide a comfortable, soft, body conforming layer

Affordable

Cons

Dusty

Must be used in a well ventilated space

Can cause respiratory and skin disorders

• Straw

• Mud

• Sawdust

• Woodchip

Pros

Dust free

Drainage layer

Provides a comfortable, body conforming layer

Easy to clean

Cons

Expensive

Not absorbent

If wet, can become mouldy if left

• Woodchip

• Sawdust

• Bark

• Stones

Pros

Dust free

Helps small animals form burrows

Free

Cons

Becomes soggy if wet

Holds onto odours

• Shredded Paper

• Newspaper

• Toilet paper

• Towels

Pros

Very absorbent

Clumps so easy to identify when wet

Cons

If it gets wet, it is ruined

Uncomfortable

• Shredded paper

• Sawdust

• Wood based litter pellets

• Cardboard

Pros

Very, Very absorbent

One off initial payment

Can be reused after washing

Cons

Can be destroyed by animals (eg rats)

Have to be put in a washing machine

• Bed sheets

• Towels

• Cardboard

• Fleeces

Pros

Free

Cons

No comfort

No absorbency

Unethical

• Shredded paper

• Cardboard

• Puppy pad

• Nothing

Pros

Natural

Heats up under a lamp

Comfortable

Animals can display natural behaviours such as digging and nesting

Cons

Can be ingested by the animal and can cause intestinal blockages

• Soil

• Sawdust

• Sand

• Woodchip

Pros

Natural

Helps retain humidity

Comfortable

Animals can display natural behaviours such as nesting and digging

Cons

Can dry out if not rehydrated

Can become boggy if over watered

Can be ingested by the animal and it can cause intestinal blockages

• Coco Fibre (Coir)

• Sand

• Soil

• Aspen