Norfolk Industries small pet bedding
Norfolk Industries makes small pet bedding built around paper rather than wood shavings, and the range we stock includes recycled paper, paper flakes, paper strips, natural cotton and jcloth bedding, plus a chewy cardboard tube for enrichment. It suits owners who have moved away from wood-based bedding or are looking to.
Why paper instead of wood shavings
Some wood shavings, particularly cedar and untreated pine, have been linked to respiratory irritation in small pets because of the aromatic oils they release, which is why paper-based bedding has become a common recommendation as an alternative. Norfolk Industries' recycled paper, paper flakes and paper strips are all built around that switch.
Cotton and jcloth-style bedding go a step further for nesting behaviour, giving burrowing species like hamsters and gerbils softer material to shred and build with, rather than just something absorbent to sit on. Different small pets take to different textures, so it is worth trying more than one type if your current bedding is not being used the way you would expect.
Choosing between the types
Recycled paper and paper flakes are the more absorbent, practical everyday options and work well as a base layer across a cage. Paper strips and cotton-style bedding suit animals that actively burrow and nest, since the longer fibres can be gathered and shaped rather than just sat on.
The Chewy Tube with Paper adds something to gnaw and forage through on top of the bedding itself, which is worth having for species that benefit from foraging opportunities rather than food and bedding being kept entirely separate. It also gives a burrowing animal an extra source of material to shred and add to a nest, on top of whatever bedding is already down.
The range
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Adjustable Tortoise Harness and Lead
An adjustable harness and lead set sized for tortoises and turtles, for safe garden adventures.
£7.99
Four Flags Quick Ferret Muzzle — Grooming & Handling Aid
A temporary, reliable muzzle designed specifically for ferrets — useful for grooming, medicating, and routine handling.
£14.99
Hamster Exercise Ball
A clear rolling exercise ball that lets your hamster roam and stay active safely around the home, with ventilation slots and a secure lid. Supplied in a random colour.
£7.99
Rabbit No-Rinse Dry-Cleaning Foam
A no-rinse foam that gently cleans and freshens your rabbit's coat between full washes, no water needed.
£7.99
PawHut 12-Panel Small Animal Playpen for Guinea Pigs, 105cm, White
Twelve 45 x 35cm panels and multi-angle connectors that build a 105 x 105cm open pen at 45cm high, for evening floor time with guinea pigs or hedgehogs.
£35.99
Poultry Nappy Harness for Chickens, Ducks & Geese
A washable fabric nappy harness for house poultry, catching droppings to keep your home clean.
From£7.99
Hanging Cage Hammock for Small Pets
A soft sherpa-lined cage hammock that gives small pets a warm, lofted spot to curl up.
From£8.99
Selective Timothy Hay
UK-grown Timothy hay for rabbits and other small animals, for unlimited daily feeding
£9.99
Small Pet Carrier Shoulder Bag with Bubble Window
A ventilated travel carrier bag for hamsters, guinea pigs and other small pets, with a clear bubble window and breathable mesh panels. The adjustable shoulder strap makes outings and vet trips easy.
£13.99
Selective Naturals Woodland Loops
Dandelion and rosehip flavoured loop treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas
£3.99
Selective Naturals Orchard Loops
Apple-flavoured loop treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas
£3.99
Selective Naturals Meadow Loops
Pea-flavoured loop treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas
£3.99
Common questions
- Is wood shavings bedding bad for small pets?
- Cedar and untreated pine shavings in particular have been linked to respiratory irritation in small animals because of the oils they release, which is why many owners and vets recommend paper-based alternatives instead. Kiln-dried, dust-extracted shavings are less of a concern, but paper avoids the question entirely.
- Which Norfolk Industries bedding is best for a hamster?
- Paper strips or the natural cotton bedding tend to suit hamsters best, since they can gather and shape the longer fibres into a nest rather than just sitting on a flat layer. A deeper base of recycled paper or paper flakes underneath gives them something to dig through as well.
- How often should small pet bedding be changed?
- A full change once a week is standard for most bedding, with any obviously wet or soiled patches removed daily in between. A strong ammonia smell between full cleans is a sign the bedding needs changing sooner rather than waiting for the usual schedule.
- Can I mix different types of bedding together?
- Yes, and many owners do — a practical, absorbent base layer of recycled paper or flakes with a softer nesting material like cotton or paper strips on top gives an animal both drainage underneath and something comfortable to burrow into.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.