More than just Bedding: Why Variety is Important
A soft rustle, a small jump – and the animal has already disappeared into a self-dug hollow. For small animals, the ground is not just a surface, but an entire habitat. Here they sleep, dig, eat, play, and mark territories. Anyone observing their animal quickly realizes: bedding is far more than just “filler material”. It is a stage, a shelter, and an occupation all at once. Variety is the key to well-being.
Why Variety is so Important
Animals primarily experience their environment through the ground. Every structure and material offers different stimuli: they can be soft or firm, fragrant or rustling. A varied substrate keeps animals active, curious, and healthy. Monotonous grounds, however, quickly lead to boredom and lack of exercise.
A varied substrate imitates nature with loose zones for digging, firm surfaces for running, and cozy corners for resting.
💡 Practical Idea:
Layer various materials such as wood shavings, hemp fibers, and straw and let your animal decide where it prefers to stay. This turns observation into a shared learning experience for the entire family.
The Right Mix for Every Day
Variety does not mean constant change, but rather diversity in detail.
- Base layer: absorbent and soft, for example, dust-free wood shavings or hemp.
- Top layer: textured with hay, straw, natural cellulose fibers, plant fiber curls, or pieces of untreated wood or bark, herb bundles, and dried plants.
- Special zones: Digging boxes with soil or sand, chewing material made of willow or cork, bathing zones (dry or wet), movement and climbing zones, retreat and resting zones, feeding and storage zones, observation and activity zones.
Even small changes, such as a new layer or a tunnel fragment, encourage exploration and bring activity into the enclosure.
Myth Check
- “A thin layer is enough.” → False. Small animals dig – they need depth and structure.
- “Variety disturbs the animal’s scent.” → No, if you never replace everything at once.
- “Only hamsters like to dig.” → Incorrect. Rabbits, mice, and rats also love various substrates.
How it Works in Everyday Family Life
- Change partial areas weekly, not the entire enclosure.
- Observe which materials are preferred.
- Involve children: mix bedding together, design digging zones, compare scents.
- Partially retain old materials – a familiar scent means security.
The most Important Thing at a Glance
Bedding is not a decorative element, but forms the basis for healthy and natural behavior.
Variety in the substrate ensures movement, occupation, and well-being and makes everyday life more exciting for children, as they constantly discover new things. Variety is therefore not a luxury, but part of species-appropriate keeping.
