Rabbits & Bedding: What You Need to Know
, by Michael van Wassem, 5 min reading time
Good bedding is essential for your rabbit's well-being. Not only for hygiene, but also for comfort, safety, insulation, and natural behaviors like grazing, hiding, and nesting. Below, I'll explain what to look for and the materials Fidello offers, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
What should you pay attention to?
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Absorbency: Urine and moisture must be absorbed well so that the cage/run remains dry.
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Odor control: A good ground cover neutralizes or reduces odors.
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Gentle on paws: sharp or hard kibbles can be painful.
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Dust-free: rabbits have sensitivities; dust can cause lung problems.
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Safe material: no toxic substances, sharp edges, or danger of swallowing dangerous parts.
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Encouraging nesting behaviour: especially with young rabbits or during breeding, you want them to be able to nest, gnaw and bury themselves.
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Environment & Maintenance: Biodegradable material, renewable, and how often you need to clean or replace.
I've looked at several Fidello products as examples. This gives you an idea of what's possible and what options you might choose:
| Product | What is it good for / when is it useful? | Advantages | Possible disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bunny Nature Hanf Hemp Fiber (35 ltr) | Good all-round bedding for rabbits, especially if you want something soft that is absorbent. | Very soft, resilient, absorbent; low-dust; renewable resource. ( Fidello ) | Slightly more expensive in larger quantities; may have a slight odor at first; if it gets very wet, it will need to be changed regularly. |
| Excellent Cotton Ground Cover (50 liters) | Especially nice for nesting or if you want extra soft space to lie down (e.g. in baskets or nesting corners). | Very soft, suitable for nesting; low-dust; absorbs moisture and odors. ( Fidello ) | Not always enough structure for very large cages; the cotton can get soiled more quickly; less "firm" as a base floor in the run. |
| Golden Nature Straw (2.5 kg) | Straw is classic; you can use it as a top layer, or together with other bedding. | Natural appearance; comfortable for rabbits; biodegradable; lower nutritional value, so less chance of overeating. ( Fidello ) | Straw alone retains moisture less well than granules/paper; can become moldy in wet conditions; less odor absorption. |
| Cunipic Naturlitter Paper Ground Cover (10 ltr) | Handy if you need a lot of litter that absorbs well and reduces odor. | Ecological, biodegradable; small pieces of paper, low-dust; clumping, which makes cleaning easier. ( Fidello ) | Paper can be less insulating than straw or hemp if you have an outdoor area; wet paper causes the granules to wear out faster. |
| Bunny Nature Ultra Dry Spelled (60 ltr) | For those who want a very dry hutch; spelt grains can remain very dry. | Highly absorbent; binds ammonia odor; durable; soft on paws. ( Fidello ) | Sometimes the granules are a bit large or the pieces are fluffier; they can be a bit more expensive; if your pets chew on them, you should check if they're safe. |
Tips for combining & using
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Often, a combination of materials is best. For example, a base layer of something absorbent (paper pellets or hemp), with something softer on top for comfort (straw, cotton, nesting material).
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Refresh regularly: even the best bedding can become saturated. A more spacious cage means it fills up less quickly.
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For nesting areas: provide extra soft nesting material (such as cotton fluff or special nesting handles) so that your rabbit feels safe and warm.
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In winter: extra insulation may be necessary, for example with straw or thick layers of hay + nesting material.
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Pay attention to your rabbit: some rabbits have preferences for certain materials—smells, textures, and softness. It may take some trial and error.
My advice
If I had to recommend one setup:
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As a base: hemp fibre or paper granules for absorption + hygiene.
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For comfort: straw or cotton in the favorite resting place.
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For nesting season: extra soft nesting material such as cotton or kapok.
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Make sure you have enough thickness so that your rabbit's feet do not rest on the wooden floor, wire mesh or hard floor.
Check all ground covers for rodents on this page .
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