Keeping rats: bedding, fleece, hay…?

Hello,

I have four furry friends. I've read several times that regular small animal litter isn't really good for them, as it damages their respiratory system.

However, I have the problem that I haven't found any other (affordable) solution yet. Dust-free or other special bedding isn't really an option for me, as it would be too expensive in the long run.

So far, I've solved this by using newspaper and cardboard as a base for the half-levels (where the nest is). I've filled the two full levels with hay or bedding to provide space for digging and nest building. This is also where they defecate, making cleaning easier.

My problem with blankets/towels/fleece is that the rascals chew them up really quickly, especially (!) if they're under a house. Since I don't want to keep buying new ones, I wanted to ask how other rat owners solve this problem.

Until now, I've considered the bedding a good compromise, since it's not everywhere in the cage and the furry friends aren't constantly exposed to dust. But since I'm reading more and more that it's actually not a good idea, I'm looking for practical alternatives. I'm happy to hear any tips and suggestions! 🙂