Cage Beddings
For Short-Tailed Opossums (STO)
(Photo shows bags of CareFresh, Cell-Sorb and Swheat Scoop Bedding)
By Molly Kalafut
This section contains links and reviews of cage beddings specifically with the needs of short-tailed opossums in mind. Where possible I've included my direct observations and photos.
Cage Bedding
These are comments on some cage bedding options for short-tailed opossums. My personal favorites are CareFresh Ultra and Cell-Sorb Plus.
CareFresh & CareFresh Ultra
CareFresh is frequently recommended as a good alternative to wood-based litter (like cedar, pine and aspen). The Regular CareFresh is brown, seems flat and dusty and has noticeable smells after a short time of use. The Ultra is slightly more expensive, but I think it's great! The white Ultra is non-dusty, attractive, fluffy and controls odors. It is tightly packed in the bag but expands to a fluffier size once removed. One bag lasts longer than I would expect, however the price is still somewhat prohibitive. An alternative is using a combination of both regular and ultra.
Cell-Sorb Plus
The bedding has a strange odor all by itself, but works well to cover animal smells and doesn't need changing as often as other beddings. According to the company, "The unique design of the product combined with the animals movement, allows feces droppings of many animals to work to the bottom of the bedding - out of contact with the animal."
Swheat Scoop
This bedding is recommended by some STO owners. The company describes it as "clay free, chemical free, fragrance free and biodegradable", though personally I think it doesn't look very attractive when soiled and has a fairly strong odor. I would prefer to use it as a litter box filler rather than primary cage bedding.
Cedar, Pine and Aspen Bedding
Some STO owners use these wood-based shaving beddings, but there is considerable debate about whether they are healthy or harmful. While many STO have used these beddings and been seemingly fine, almost all the cage bedding allergies reported have been caused by either cedar, pine or aspen beddings.
Corncob Bedding
I've tried corncob bedding and found it substandard - messy, unattractive and worst of all prone to growing mold. When wet, it also has an unappealing order.
Eucalyptus Bedding
This specialty project can be ordered from some online suppliers. Unfortunately, it is expensive, does not have the pleasant eucalyptus smell, and actually looks rather dirty. Every time I looked at the cage I thought it looked soiled.
