Bedding question

[Heatherama]

I've always used some sort of bedding like Carefresh or Soft Sorb...but I'd like to steer clear of them because of the fear of mites or lice or some other critters getting on my critters.  I only have a small freezer, so I can't put the bedding in there.  Those of you who use fabric like fleece or something similar, are the rats alright with that?  Is bedding something they NEED?  I also give mine shredded paper, what about fleece and shredded paper, would that be alright?  The other levels in their cage are covered with pieces of linoleum, so those are alright, just need to know about the bottom level.  I don't want to upset them if I take their Soft Sorb away and they don't like the fleece.  Thanks for any help!

[LastEchoes]

no matter what kind of store bought bedding you use, there's a chance of mites. I've had rodents for about a decade now and i've had ONE external parasites outbreak in all that time and I never freeze my bedding (like you, I have a smallish freezer).
Fleece is a good option and i know a lot of people use it here but unless your rats are potty trained, you're going to have to change it pretty much every day. For me, that's just too much laundry.....not to mention that some rats destroy cloth type bedding too fast lol
If you're looking to switch bedding just because of fear mites/lice but they dont like fleece, then perhaps try freezing it in small portions or take the chance.

[looneycartoonie]

I personally use towels on the bottom of my FNs and YN in the litter boxes. I used to use fleece but I found that towels did wonders for the smell. I don't have a freezer to keep bedding in either so I feel your pain. I've only had one outbreak back in the day when I used carefresh and it was easy to treat. You can always just keep some revolution or ivermectin handy and just keep using your usual bedding.

[Addicted2Rats]

I don't know if anyone else has had this same problem, but I've found that Yesterday's News REALLY starts to stink after about a day with poops in the litterbox.  I am going back to trying aspen in the litterbox, even though my guys tend to get pretty messy with it.  It's a toss-up between mess or stink, and I think I prefer dealing with a mess.  I hate that stinky litterbox!  Also, I use fleece to line the trays of my Ferret Nation but a friend of mine is picking me up a couple of rugs from Ikea.  She said that they fit perfectly into the pan and cause less odor than the fleece does.

Deb

[LOTR_Ratties]

I use fleece throughout my cages, w/ Yesterday's News in their litter pans. My boys do fine with it, with the exception of Frodo's bad burrowing habit.
What I actually use is fleece and flannel receiving blankets from the baby aisle at the Dollar Tree. Dirt cheap, usually lasts several washes, then I go stock up on more. I love that place.

[Ratlovingkippy06]

 Did you try the Fresh World Bedding by sunseed? It is awesome! I have  a FN and i have it in the litter boxes, i use it with all my animals ( other than gerbils) and it works GREAT!! I had some friends try it with their Guinea pigs as well and they loved it

[Addicted2Rats]

CLKippy, where did you find the Fresh World Bedding by Sunseed?  Ratty Krazy and I were talking about that the other day, and I have no clue where to get it.  I'd be willing to give it a try though!

Deb

[Ratlovingkippy06]

the only place i know of is  Petsmart a few small stores are but i haven't seen it anywhere else.

[Addicted2Rats]

OK thanks!!  I'll go to Petsmart tomorrow and see if I can find it! 

Deb

[julztoni97]

The Petsmart here near me in CT does not carry it.  I still want it but they said I'll have to order it online.  I didn't want to pay shipping so, I'm still waiting to see if they'll carry it soon!