- For small animals, such as hamsters and gerbils, you should provide enough bedding to cover the floor of the cage at least 2-3 inches deep. This will allow them to burrow and nest.
- For larger animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, you should provide even more bedding, at least 4-5 inches deep. They need more space to move around and play, and they also like to burrow and hide.
- For birds, you don't need as much bedding, just a thin layer to cover the bottom of the cage. This will help to absorb any droppings and keep the cage clean.
- The type of bedding you use is also important. Some common types of bedding include paper-based bedding, wood shavings, and hay. Paper-based bedding is the most absorbent and is a good choice for small animals. Wood shavings are less absorbent and can be dusty, but they are a good choice for larger animals. Hay is a good choice for birds and rabbits, as it is soft and absorbent.
It's important to keep the bedding clean and dry. You should spot-clean the cage daily and remove any soiled bedding. Once a week, you should do a complete cage cleaning, which includes removing all of the bedding and washing the cage.