Pellet bedding: less is more.

[Ginevive]

I learned over the course of a few weeks, that it is much more economical to use less wood-pellet bedding, as opposed to overdoing it, with rats. I use a thin layer; only 1-2 pellets deep. But when I was using it deeper (like 1-2 inches) I was getting a bunch of sawdust on top with still-good, yet unsalvagable, whole pellets underneath. What a waste!
In using less, I save pellets bigtime. Also there is less likelihood of the water-bottle nipple getting buried in pellets and creating a sponge effect that sucks all of the water into the pellets, leaving your rat thirsty and your bedding ruined (this happened in one of my females' tanks; luckily it was only 2 hours or so after I changed the water so they was not without water long.)
I do add in some cloth (socks; the cheap, irregular ones that you can get cheap at the dollar store under the Oops! brand name.) They give the rats, especially moms, something to sleep on, snuggle in, and nest.

[munding]

does pellet bedding have an expiration date? thank you.

raymond

[rabernet]

When I was at NERD last year, Kara only uses enough to cover 2/3 of the bottom of the enclosure. By cleaning day, it's expanded enough to cover the entire enclosure.

[Ginevive]

I can't say that I know if there is an expiration date, Raymond. I'll look at home and if there is, I will reply with that.

Sounds good Robin. Maybe even *less* than my "less" is ideal then

[munding]

thanks genevive!

[Monty]

what type of pellets. the aspen pellets or something else???

[Bruce Whitehead]

I just switched to the pellet bedding and found the same thing.

I tried a few layers with the different cages and noticed that right away.

But I love the stuff. Hooked on it already and was at my wit's end as far as finding bedding that wasn't a mess, didn't make the rats sniffle, and contained odours.

Great post.

Bruce

[Mike Cavanaugh]

this is good info. Thanks!

[jkobylka]

pellet bedding is the BEST. will put a handful in each tub and it expands to fill in no time.

Justin

[Ginevive]

I do have a question. Do you swtch yours out once most/all is sawdust, or do you leave it in? I personally switch it when there's an overabundance of fecal matter.