Stop Using the Wrong Bedding: What Science Says Small Pets Really Need
When you look into your pet’s cage, you might just see some crinkled paper on the floor. But for your mouse, rat, hamster, or gerbil, that “bedding” is their whole world. It’s their bed, their hideaway, their play space—and it plays a major role in their physical and emotional well-being.
If you want your pet to feel safe, cozy, and enriched, there’s one simple change you can make: give them nesting material.
What the Science Says About Nesting
A Stanford study published in PLOS One found that mice with access to nesting material were not only healthier—they were happier. These mice:
- Produced more pups per litter
- Had pups that reached healthy weight faster
- Experienced less stress
- Used less food because they didn’t have to burn extra energy to stay warm
As the lead researcher put it:
“Good welfare is good business.”
And it’s even better for your pet.
Why Nesting Material is Essential
Nesting isn’t just cute—it's essential.
Whether it’s building a dome-shaped hideout or tunneling through shredded paper, nesting helps your pet:
- Stay warm in cooler environments
- Relieve anxiety and feel secure
- Sleep more soundly
- Heal faster after stress or illness
- Mimic natural behavior that keeps them healthy
When your pet gets to do what they were born to do, they thrive.
Signs Your Pet Needs Better Bedding
If you notice your pet:
- Constantly digging but not building a nest
- Seeming more anxious or less playful
- Sleeping out in the open
- Over-grooming or barbering fur
…they may not feel secure in their current setup. The fix could be as simple as offering better nesting material.
What to Look for in Small Pet Bedding
Not all bedding is created equal. Here’s what to prioritize:
- Dust-free to protect delicate respiratory systems
- Absorbent and insulating for odor control and warmth
- Safe to chew (no dyes or chemicals!)
- Natural and biodegradable
- Easy to clean for both of you
Why Pet Owners Love Eco Bedding
Made from recycled paper and free from dyes, Eco Bedding checks all the boxes:
- 99.9% dust-free
- Perfect for nesting and burrowing
- Safe to chew and fun to play with
- Holds its shape for better tunnel building
- Compostable and eco-friendly
It's the bedding that supports both your pet and the planet.
How to Introduce Nesting Material
Adding nesting material is easy—and watching your pet use it is even better.
- Sprinkle a handful in their cage near their favorite rest spot.
- Let them explore, gather, and build at their own pace.
- Look for that signature dome nest—a sure sign they’re loving it.
Enrichment Starts at Ground Level
You don’t need to buy fancy toys or expensive gear to enrich your pet’s life. Sometimes, it starts with the basics—like giving them something soft, warm, and safe to nest in.
A cage is just a cage. But the right bedding?
That turns it into a home.
Ready to make the switch?
Try Eco Bedding today and give your small pet the gift of comfort, calm, and cozy nesting. Because happy pets start with happy habitats.