The best hedgehog bedding is shredded paper bedding. it’s absorbent, soft, and comfortable for hedgehogs to walk on. Paper bedding is also easy to change, making your cleanup easier.
If you’re here, you’re likely looking for advice on the best bedding for your hedgehogs.
There are many options to choose from, but there’s one thing to remember: it should be soft and comfortable for your hedgehog to walk on, and it should be absorbent.
But what bedding options fulfill these requirements?
In this article, we’ll show you the five best hedgehog bedding options to choose from.
The 5 Best Hedgehog Bedding Options
While hedgehogs aren’t dirty animals, they are still animals. They make a mess at times, when they eat, drink, or litter.
Due to their natural behavior, it’s important to choose the right bedding to keep them comfortable and their cage clean.
As you will realize when you look into hedgehog bedding, there are a lot of options. Looking at wood alone, you have to choose what type of wood, how shredded it is, and how safe different types are.
Here are a few of the best bedding options for hedgehogs:
- Paper Bedding
- Wood Bedding
- Fabric Bedding
- Corn Cob Bedding
- Aspen Bedding
Paper Bedding for Hedgehogs

Paper bedding is a great option for hedgehogs. It’s absorbent, cheap, and easy to change out. Avoid any scented or treated papers, and change the bedding regularly to keep it clean and fresh.
The most popular type of bedding is paper-based. This includes newspaper, butcher paper, and paper towel rolls.
There are a few reasons why paper bedding is such a popular choice:
- It’s absorbent, so it can help keep your hedgehog’s enclosure clean and dry.
- It’s relatively cheap and easy to find.
- It’s easy to change out when it gets dirty.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re using paper bedding for hedgehogs.
First, make sure to avoid any scented or treated papers, as these can be harmful to hedgehogs. Second, change out the bedding regularly to ensure that it stays clean and fresh.
Wood Bedding for Hedgehogs

If you’re looking for a safe and comfortable option for your hedgehog’s bedding, wood bedding is a great choice. Keep an eye on the type of wood you use and avoid treated or pine/cedar bedding as these are toxic.
As hedgehogs are likely to spend a considerable amount of time in their homes, it is important to make sure that their bedding is comfortable and safe.
Wood bedding is generally one of the best options.
Wood bedding is soft and absorbent, making it comfortable for hedgehogs to sleep on. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
But, there are a few things to keep in mind when using wood bedding.
First, make sure that the bedding is made from untreated wood. Treated wood can be harmful to hedgehogs if they ingest it. Second, avoid using cedar or pine bedding, as these types of wood can be irritating to hedgehogs’ skin.
Fabric Bedding

When choosing fabric bedding for your hedgehog, select a material that is machine washable and dryer safe. Avoid materials that are treated with chemicals or flame retardants, as these can be harmful to your hedgehog.
There are many different types of bedding available for hedgehogs. Fabric bedding is by far the most popular choice for people that like reusable bedding.
Fabric bedding is soft and comfortable, and it helps to keep your hedgehog warm.
Some of the best fabric bedding options include fleece, quilt batting, and flannel:
- Fleece is a great choice for hedgehog bedding because it is soft and durable. Fleece is also easy to clean, and it dries quickly.
- Quilt batting is another good option, as it is soft and absorbent.
- Flannel is also a good choice, as it is soft and warm.
Corn Cob Bedding

If you want natural bedding for your hedgehog, go with corn cob bedding. It’s biodegradable, soft, and absorbent. The downside of corn cob bedding is the price. It’s more expensive than other types of hedgehog bedding.
Corn cob bedding is an uncommon but good choice for those looking for a natural bedding option for their hedgehogs[1].
Corn Cob Bedding is made from ground-up corn cobs. It is dust-free, absorbent, and provides good insulation for your hedgie.
Additionally, it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
One downside of Corn Cob Bedding is that it can be a bit more expensive than other bedding options. Many find that the benefits outweigh the cost. Overall, Corn Cob Bedding is a great choice for those looking for a natural and environmentally friendly option.
Aspen Bedding
If you are looking for a good bedding option for your hedgehog, aspen bedding is a great choice. It is soft, absorbent, and a good insulator. Aspen bedding is also relatively inexpensive and easy to find. You can find it at most pet stores or online.
Aspen bedding for hedgehogs is made from the wood of the aspen tree. It is soft, absorbent, and a good insulator.
Aspen bedding is relatively inexpensive and easy to find. You can find it at most pet stores or online.
One downside of using wood bedding is that you have to change it often, and you’ll be left with a lot of trash. But, you can leave it in a decomposer, since it is from nature itself.
What Bedding Is Best for Hedgehogs?
There are many different types of bedding available for hedgehogs, but paper, wood, and fabric are generally the best choices. Paper bedding is absorbent and easy to change, wood bedding is soft and comfortable, and fabric bedding is warm and cozy.
When choosing the bedding for your hedgehog, be sure to select a material that is safe, comfortable, and easy to clean.
The best bedding is the one that’s best for your hedgehog. Not all hedgehogs are the same, and some prefer other materials. Try different ones out and watch how your hedgehog reacts.
You should avoid materials that are treated with chemicals or flame retardants.

Caring for a Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals that make great pets. They are relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for, but there are a few things you should know before bringing one home.
Here are a few tips for caring for a hedgehog:
Provide a Spacious Cage
Hedgehogs need the right cage setup with plenty of space to roam and explore[2]. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 2 square feet of cage space per hedgehog.
Include Hiding Places
Hedgehogs are timid creatures and need places to hide. Include hiding places such as tunnels, cardboard boxes, or small houses in their cage.
Offer a Variety of Food

Hedgehogs are omnivores and need a varied diet. Include a variety of dry foods, wet foods, and live foods in their diet.
Provide Fresh Water
Hedgehogs need access to fresh, clean water at all times. Change their water daily and clean their water bowl regularly.
Handle With Care
Hedgehogs are delicate creatures and should be handled with care. Avoid handling them too roughly or picking them up by their quills.
What Do You Need Besides Bedding?
Hedgehogs need other things than bedding in their cage. If you’re not sure what to put in their cage, here’s a short list:
- Toys
- Hideouts
- Food and water bowls
- Exercise equipment
- Vet checkups
Related: Hedgehog Supplies (List)
Toys

Toys are an important part of any hedgehog’s life. Hedgehogs are active creatures and need plenty of toys to keep them entertained. Some good toy options for hedgehogs include balls, tunnels, chew toys, and food puzzles.
When choosing toys for your hedgehog, be sure to select items that are safe and durable. Avoid toys with small parts or sharp edges that could hurt your hedgehog.
Hideouts
Hedgehogs are shy creatures. They are solitary and keep their distance from people and other animals in the wild. That’s why including a hideout in their cage is essential.
You can either buy a hideout, or you can build one yourself. A simple tube or small wooden structure will do the trick. Hiding places are found in almost all pet stores.
Food and Water Bowls
Hedgehogs need a food bowl and water bottle.
The food bowl should be shallow so the hedgehog can easily reach the food. The water bottle should have a small opening so the hedgehog can drink from it without getting wet.
Exercise Equipment

Hedgehogs are active creatures. They need to exercise. If not, they’re at risk of becoming overweight.
Most importantly, your hedgehog will need an exercise wheel. This is essential for keeping your hedgehog healthy and fit.
Vet Checkups
Hedgehogs should see a veterinarian at least once a year for a check-up and routine vaccinations.
If you have any concerns about your hedgehog’s health, be sure to consult with a veterinarian.[3]
Conclusion
Hedgehogs need bedding in their cage for comfort and to keep it clean. The best bedding options include shredded paper, wood shavings, fabric, and corn cob bedding.
Choose the right bedding for your hedgehogs and for yourself. If you want reusable bedding, go with fabric. If you want to use natural bedding, wood shavings or corn cob bedding are the best options.
Hedgehogs also need other things than bedding in their cages, such as food and water bowls, hideouts, exercise equipment, and toys.