03/08/2026
Raising rats: Nesting
Yesterday's video post showing Kelliwic Hope being silly and shoving clean shavings out of her maternity cage received an important comment. The commenter felt that Hope needed softer nesting materials, rather than wood shavings. In the commenter's opinion (additional comments received via direct message), shavings are too rough and scratchy for babies. Due to appointments yesterday, there wasn't time to properly address the topic. But, it's a reasonable concern and perhaps others have also wondered about that, so let's talk about it. 🙂
In general, most wood shavings packaged as small animal bedding are not too rough for newborn rats, though some brands are more suitable than others. Rough-cut large pieces closer to a wood chip are less ideal. Thinner, shaved flakes are lighter, tend to curl, and lend themselves well to nest-building and insulation. They're soft, flexible, and light enough for newborn rats to push through when crawling; there is little risk of suffocation.
(Side note: Despite labelling, cedar shavings are NOT safe for small pets.)
Some items that might come to mind as nesting materials are not always safe, or may be okay to use when babies are a bit older. The skin of infant rats is very thin and fragile.
For example, paper with cut edges is too sharp. We've all experienced paper cuts, and they hurt and can be deep! And paper in general can stick to the skin of newborns, causing it to tear when it pulls away, such as when the momma doe is cleaning the baby. Some breeders offer shredded cardboard, but this can have similar risks. Sherpa and certain types of polar fleece and other fabric may get caught in the nails of the babies, or worse, threads can get wound around legs or tails and can result in loss of the appendage. Suffocation is also possible for little ones if they get trapped under fleece or fabric.
There are other materials that can safely be offered to the doe, such as orchard hay. As the babies get older, more variety can be added.
Pet ("fancy") rats are the same species as wild Norway rats. Wild rats will use many materials, based on what they can find in their environment. In the wild this could include things like insulation, plastic bags, or string. Rats are more intelligent than most people think, but they don't always make great choices. A fancy rat breeder should provide the doe with safe materials rather than anthropomorphizing her.
Pictured: Kelliwic Beebalm
Russian blue silvermane dumbo velveteen dwarf girl.
(Kelliwic Flare x Kelliwic Peppermint)
🚫❌️Not available.❌️🚫
