Birdcage bedding and litter play a crucial role in keeping pet birds healthy and happy. For over a century, owners have used various natural materials like sand, gravel, and wood shavings to line the floors of birdcages and absorb waste. While these traditional options work, newer bedding and litter products have been specifically engineered for optimal odor control, ease of cleaning, and bird safety. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the different types of birdcage bedding and litter available today. It explains the pros and cons of substrates like pelleted paper, corncob, seed hulls, and recycled paper to help bird owners make the best choice for their pets. Key factors like dust control, antimicrobial properties, and absorbency are discussed to give readers the information they need to create a safe, comfortable environment for their feathered friends. Any bird lover will come away better equipped to line their birdcage after reading this guide.
Our Top Picks For 2025
MagJo Premium Aspen Nesting Pads
MagJo Premium Aspen Nesting Pads are 100% USA-grown aspen wood shavings nesting pads from MagJo Naturals. These 12 x 12 inch disposable nest liners provide a healthy nest environment for chickens and make cleaning the coop easy.
The MagJo Premium Aspen Nesting Pads are an ideal nesting solution for any chicken coop. These 100% natural aspen wood shavings pads from MagJo Naturals create a healthy nesting environment for hens and chicks.
Key Features and Benefits:
- 100% USA-grown aspen shavings provide a safe, chemical-free nesting material
- Disposable pad design makes coop cleaning and maintenance simple
- Kraft paper backing contains mess and allows droppings to fall through
- Cushions eggs and encourages natural nesting behaviors in chickens
- Aspen shavings are safer and healthier than cedar or pine beddings
- Pack of 12 large 12″ x 12″ pads fits most standard nesting boxes
- Made in the USA by a small business supporting refugees and immigrants
The MagJo Premium Aspen Nesting Pads are an excellent option for any backyard chicken keeper looking for an easy-to-use and healthy nesting solution. Their disposable design reduces coop cleaning time while supporting natural behaviors in hens.
Manna Pro Coop 'N Compost Odor Control Brand: Manna Pro
Manna Pro Coop ‘N Compost is an all-natural zeolite granule product that helps eliminate odors and moisture in chicken coops. It absorbs ammonia and moisture, leaving coops fresher and drier while extending bedding life.
Manna Pro Coop ‘N Compost is an effective chicken coop odor eliminator made by trusted brand Manna Pro. This product utilizes natural zeolite minerals to absorb unpleasant odors and moisture in the chicken coop environment.
Key Features and Benefits:
Made with Natural Zeolite Minerals: The zeolite in Coop ‘N Compost absorbs ammonia odors and moisture to leave coops smelling cleaner.
Extends Bedding Life: By keeping coops drier, Coop ‘N Compost allows bedding materials like pine shavings to last longer before needing replacement.
Easy to Use: Just sprinkle the granules onto the coop floor before adding fresh bedding whenever cleaning the coop.
Improves Compost Quality: Coop ‘N Compost can also be added to compost piles made from coop waste, helping make nutrients more accessible for plants.
Manna Pro Coop ‘N Compost provides an easy way to manage odors and moisture in the chicken coop. Its natural formula keeps coops fresher for longer between cleanings, benefitting both chickens and owners.
So Phresh Unscented Paper Bird Cage Litter (20L) by Petco
100% recycled paper bird cage litter from So Phresh absorbs moisture and controls odors. Unscented, low dust paper litter for small pet birds like parakeets, cockatiels, canaries. Baking soda provides odor control; made in the USA
So Phresh Unscented Paper Bird Cage Litter (20L) by Petco is an excellent choice for keeping your small pet bird’s cage clean and odor-free. This 100% recycled paper litter boasts superior absorbency to lock in moisture and prevent messes.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Made from 100% recycled materials – an eco-friendly paper litter
- Unscented formula prevents disturbing your bird’s sensitive respiratory system
- Low dust paper composition reduces mess and supports easy cleaning
- Baking soda infusion neutralizes odors and keeps the cage smelling fresh
- 20L bag provides extended use for small bird cages
- Manufactured in the USA for quality assurance
With excellent absorbency and odor control, So Phresh Unscented Paper Bird Cage Litter promotes a healthy home for pet birds. The low dust paper locks in moisture while baking soda eliminates smells. This American-made bird cage litter is an easy way to maintain a clean habitat for your feathered friends.
Kaytee Soft Granule Lavender Blend Small Animal Bedding
Kaytee’s soft granule lavender blend bedding is a highly absorbent and dust-free bedding made from wood fibers for small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. It helps control odors and provides a comfortable habitat.
The Kaytee Soft Granule Lavender Blend is a premium small animal bedding that provides maximum absorbency and odor control. Made of soft wood fibers, this bedding is 99.9% dust-free to support respiratory health and infused with a light lavender scent for a naturally fresh habitat. Kaytee’s soft granules are ideal for small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and chinchillas.
Key Features:
Kaytee Soft Granule Lavender Blend Small Animal Bedding
- Absorbs 3 times its weight in liquid to keep cages clean and dry
- 99.9% dust-free to prevent respiratory issues
- Light lavender scent helps control odors
- Soft wood fiber granules provide comfort and safety
- Made in the USA from sustainable materials
- Recommended for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas
The Kaytee Soft Granule Lavender Blend provides maximum absorbency and odor control along with respiratory health benefits for small animal habitats. Its soft texture and light scent make it an ideal choice for owners looking for a premium bedding.
Ruby.Q 100-Sheet Non-Woven Bird Cage Liner Papers
The Ruby.Q 100-Sheet Non-Woven Bird Cage Liner Papers are precut absorbent liners that simplify cleaning bird cages. These natural, odorless liners have a leak-proof bottom to keep cages clean and dry.
The Ruby.Q 100-Sheet Non-Woven Bird Cage Liner Papers are an easy way to maintain a clean environment for your bird. These precut liners fit a variety of cage sizes and shapes. Key features and benefits include:
- Made from natural, non-woven fabric that is odorless and eco-friendly
- Absorbent inner layer helps control moisture and odors
- Soft, leak-proof bottom keeps the cage tray clean and dry
- 100 precut sheets simplify daily cleaning to save time
- Can be cut to fit different cage sizes and shapes
The Ruby.Q Bird Cage Liner Papers provide an effective and convenient liner solution for keeping your bird’s home fresh and clean. Their absorbent and leak-proof construction traps mess and moisture to make cage maintenance simple and fast.
Birheatry Gravel Liner Paper for Bird Cages
Birheatry gravel liner paper provides a safe and healthy walking surface for birds. The 11 x 17 inch sheets are covered with digestible sea sand to naturally trim beaks and claws.
The Birheatry Gravel Liner Paper is specially designed for bird cages to keep your feathered friends happy and healthy. This bird cage accessory features:
Sea Sand Coating – Each sheet is covered with real sea sand that provides a natural source of grit to aid digestion and trim overgrown beaks and claws. The sand grains are a safe size for swallowing.
Digestible and Sanitary – The sand coating can be ingested safely. The paper liner allows waste to fall through to keep the cage clean.
Convenient Size – The 11 x 17 inch size fits most standard bird cages. Sheets can also be cut to custom sizes.
Pack of 40 Sheets – 40 liner sheets provide enough supply for regular cage changes.
The Birheatry gravel paper creates the ideal cage floor environment to keep birds active and comfortable in a sanitary home. This affordable liner is easy to replace and clean for healthy pet birds.
Old Dominion Premium Hemp Chicken Coop Bedding
Premium grade, all-natural hemp bedding from Old Dominion Hemp that is highly absorbent, controls odors, and is easy to clean up. Perfect for chicken coops and all types of small animal bedding.
Old Dominion’s premium hemp chicken coop bedding is an eco-friendly and sustainable bedding option made from 100% natural hemp. This bedding is specially designed for use in chicken coops and with other small animals. It offers many benefits over traditional wood shavings or straw bedding:
Highly Absorbent – Each bag absorbs 4 times its weight in liquid. Keeps coops clean and dry.
Odor & Ammonia Control – Hemp naturally reduces odors and ammonia levels in coops. Keeps things smelling fresh.
Low Dust – Virtually dust-free bedding unlike some wood shavings. Easy on your chickens’ respiratory systems.
Easy Clean Up – Hemp composts well or can be used as mulch. Clean coops and dispose of old bedding with less mess.
Long Lasting – One bag lasts for months in a coop without needing to be replaced. Great value for money.
With its natural odor fighting properties and high absorbency, Old Dominion’s premium hemp bedding is perfect for keeping your chickens healthy and your coop clean. It’s an eco-friendly bedding option your chickens will love!
BirdCageLiners Poly Coated Cage Liners
Poly coated paper cage liners from BirdCageLiners provide an easy way to keep bird cages clean. The coated paper resists moisture and helps protect bird health. Customizable sizing makes getting a perfect fit simple.
Keeping your bird’s cage clean is critical for their health and happiness. BirdCageLiners Poly Coated Cage Liners make this task much easier. These disposable cage liners are made of 35-pound paper with an extra poly coating that resists moisture penetration. This helps keep the bottom of the cage dry and hygienic.
The poly coated paper is recommended for all size birds from macaws to finches. It’s easy to dispose of thanks to the thin paper. The white color also gives a pleasant, clean look in the cage.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Poly coating blocks moisture from soaking through to effectively protect cage bottoms
- Custom sizing option ensures you get a perfect fit for your cage
- Thin paper is easy to remove and dispose of
- White color looks clean and attractive
- Simplifies cage cleaning to promote bird health
- Recommended for cages with birds of all sizes
With BirdCageLiners Poly Coated Cage Liners, you can simplify cage cleaning and maintenance. The custom fit and moisture blocking abilities make them an excellent choice for keeping your bird’s home fresh and healthy.
Gravel Liner Paper for Bird Cages by Uifrmely
30 pack of 11″ x 17″ crushed paper sheets made of natural quartz sand particles. Safe and hygienic bird cage liner helps trim beaks and claws, aids digestion. Fits most bird cages, cut to size as needed. For small birds like parakeets, cockatiels, finches
Keep your bird’s cage clean and healthy with Uifrmely Gravel Liner Paper. This 30 pack contains natural sea sand paper that serves multiple purposes for pet birds.
Key Features and Benefits:
Gravel Liner Paper for Bird Cages by Uifrmely
Absorbent paper with gritty texture from sea sand particles
Trim birds’ beaks and claws naturally as they walk on the textured surface
Safe and hygienic as birds cannot consume the quartz sand
Helps digestion for birds that eat hard, dry food
Convenient 30 pack provides enough liners for most cleaning cycles
Sheets measure 11″ x 17″ to fit standard cage floors
Easily cut pieces to size for custom cage lining
Give your feathered friends a clean start with Uifrmely’s Gravel Liner Paper. The quartz sand particles create a gently abrasive surface that files down overgrown beaks and claws. Birds can walk naturally as the gritty texture provides footing exercise. Clean up the cage easily by replacing soiled liners.
Firdnyohs Gravel Paper for Bird Cages
Firdnyohs gravel paper provides a safe and easy-to-clean liner for bird cages. The sea sandpaper helps trim beaks and claws while aiding digestion.
The Firdnyohs Gravel Paper for Bird Cages is an ideal liner for keeping your bird’s home clean. This sea sandpaper liner features a lightweight paper coated with fine gravel that allows birds to trim their beaks and claws. The grit also aids digestion for hard-billed birds.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Made of sea sandpaper that can be cut to fit any cage size
- Coarse gravel particles help grind down nails and beaks
- Absorbs messes and simplifies cleaning
- Provides needed grit for digestion in hard-billed birds
- Birds can stand directly on the textured surface
- Pre-cut 11 x 17 inch sheets are ready to use
- Pack of 18 sheets for easy replacement
The Firdnyohs Gravel Paper is easy to use and keeps cages clean. Birds benefit from having a textured surface to stand on and gravel to aid their digestion. The sandpaper grit helps maintain beaks and claws as well. This convenient liner simplifies cage cleaning for pet owners.
