Aspen Wood Shavings as Pet Bedding

It's an economical bedding choice

By
Lianne McLeod, DVM
Lianne McLeod DVM, small animal expert for The Spruce Pets
Lianne McLeod, DVM
Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. After caring for animals in her veterinarian practice, Lianne went on to study biology and research water quality and chronic disease at the University of Saskatchewan.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 09/19/19
Two Gerbils in aspen bedding
Richard Hutchings/Corbis Documentary/Getty Images

Aspen bedding is a good choice for small animals such as hamsters, gerbils, mice, and rats. It is very economical and is absorbent and does a decent job of odor control. Sometimes (not always―it depends a bit on the brand or batch) is can be quite dusty which can cause sneezing and respiratory symptoms in some pets.

Bottom Line

Cedar and pine shavings are no longer recommended as bedding for small pets; fortunately, many alternatives have become available. Aspen shavings are a good alternative for those that prefer wood shavings for bedding. It is one of the most economical beddings which also makes is a good choice for owners who go through a lot of bedding. However, it can be dusty which can lead to sneezing of your animals; we find it controls odor well for a few days but you can't leave the cage for an extra day or two without cleaning with aspen. As well, the shavings seem to cling to fabric and get dragged around the house more than other beddings.

Pros

  • Inexpensive

  • Quite absorbent

  • Decent odor control

  • Readily available at most pet stores

  • Available in a range of sizes including large quantities

Cons

  • Can sometimes be dusty

  • Tends to get dragged around the house

  • Variation in texture, size of chips, and dustiness by brand

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