Full Cheeks Aspen Bedding

Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing This Popular Small Pet Bedding

As a proud pet parent, keeping your small animal’s habitat clean is one of the most important parts of caring for them. And the right bedding is crucial for absorbing messes, controlling odors, and keeping your furry friend comfortable and healthy. Full Cheeks Aspen Bedding has become a top choice for owners of rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other critters. But is it the best option for your pet? I recently went on a quest to learn everything I could about Full Cheeks Aspen so you can make an informed buying decision. Here is my complete guide to this beneficial bedding.

What Exactly is Full Cheeks Aspen Bedding?

Full Cheeks Aspen Bedding is a pet bedding made entirely from aspen wood shavings. Aspen is a poplar tree species that thrives in cool, mountainous regions. The wood is a natural pale cream color and has a neutral scent when processed into bedding. Full Cheeks uses 100% pure Aspen wood with no added chemicals, dyes, or scents. The shavings are kiln-dried to remove moisture and make them highly absorbent. The bedding comes in convenient 10 liter bags that expand to 40 liters when fluffed. It’s safe for all cages and enclosures.

Where to Buy Full Cheeks Aspen Bedding

This premium bedding brand is sold online through Amazon and other major retailers like Chewy and PetSmart. Prices range from $15-$25 per bag depending on the retailer promotions. Full Cheeks is manufactured in the United States which helps justify the higher price for the natural materials and production standards. You can also find it in select brick-and-mortar pet supply shops. Stock may be limited so online ordering is best for selection.

Benefits of Using Full Cheeks Aspen

There are many excellent reasons to choose Full Cheeks Aspen bedding for your small pet:

• Odor control: The aspen shavings have high porosity to trap urine and naturally suppress ammonia odors. Owners report cages stay fresher longer vs other beddings.
• Absorption: Aspen is more absorbent than soft woods for soaking up messes and moisture while keeping the cage surface dry.
• Dust-free: Full Cheeks uses a precise sifting method to remove most fine particles and sawdust that can cause respiratory irritation.
• Soft & comfortable: These shavings make a lightly textured, cushiony surface for burrowing and nesting satisfaction.
• Natural product: Aspen has not been chemically treated or scented making it safer if ingested. It’s biodegradable too.
• Easy cleaning: The shavings maintain structure when scooping out wet spots for quick maintenance. Fully change every 2-3 weeks.

As you can see, pet owners select aspen bedding to promote a healthy habitat and happy pets. It’s superior to cheaper pine and cedar options.

Safety of Full Cheeks Aspen for Small Animals

An important question for any pet product is safety. Full Cheeks Aspen earns excellent marks here. Since it’s 100% pure aspen wood without chemical processing, it’s harmless if your pet ingests some pieces. The kiln drying also eliminates any possible mold, fungus, or mildew. Aspen does not contain aromatic oils like cedar so there’s no concern with respiratory problems. The minimal dust content also prevents issues. As with any bedding, monitor your pet after first use to be sure they don’t have an unexpected allergic reaction. But overall, aspen is entirely safe and many owners see improved health after switching from another bedding.

How to Use Full Cheeks Aspen in Cages & Enclosures

Using Full Cheeks Aspen is simple. The bedding can go in any solid bottom cage or habitat for small animals. Pour the fluffy shavings out from the bag into the enclosure to a depth of 2-3 inches. Spread it evenly across the floor so your pet has an even surface. Provide extra bedding in their sleeping or nesting area for comfort. Top off as needed when changing litter to maintain the preferred depth. Since it’s dust-free, aspen bedding is also suitable for wire bottom cages but use a solid layer at least 1 inch thick. Always keep the bedding dry and change fully every few weeks for cleanliness. The absorbent shavings make cleaning up urine clumps or feces a breeze.

Reviews of Full Cheeks Aspen Bedding

You can learn a lot about a product from real customer reviews. Here’s what pet owners say about their experiences with Full Cheeks Aspen bedding:

• “This stuff is amazing. I have three guinea pigs and their massive cage has never smelled better.”
• “I love that it’s just pure aspen wood. My bunny stopped sneezing after I switched to this bedding.”
• “It absorbs so much more than the cheap pine bedding I used before. Worth the higher price for sure.”
• “The bag expands big time with nice fluffy shavings. Lasts a long time and no dust.”
• “Keeps my hamster’s cage drier than any other bedding I’ve tried. And she loves burrowing in it.”

The consensus from owners is that Full Cheeks Aspen is highly absorbent, controls odor nicely, and is safe for their pets. Many mention the value for the cost as this bedding lasts a while. Negative reviews are very rare and usually about delivery issues rather than the product itself.

Frequency to Change Full Cheeks Aspen Bedding

One perk of using a highly absorbent bedding like Full Cheeks Aspen is that you don’t need to replace all of it as often. A general guideline is to fully change the bedding every 2-3 weeks. Spot clean daily by removing soiled areas and adding new shavings to maintain depth. Some owners only fully change monthly and haven’t had odor problems. But every few weeks is best practice to keep the habitat fresh. Remember that urine has high ammonia that needs complete cleaning out over time. Make changing the litter an easy routine and your pet will have a pleasant home.

Is Full Cheeks Really Dust-Free?

A major claim of Full Cheeks Aspen bedding is being 99% dust-free to prevent respiratory issues. Customers confirm this is true when you fluff up the bag. There is only the finest natural sawdust which does not cause airborne dust. Owners of guinea pigs and rabbits with allergies report no sneezing or symptoms after switching to Full Cheeks Aspen from lower quality brands. No bedding will ever be 100% dust-free but Full Cheeks gets as close as possible with their production methods. Just pour carefully from the bag and you’ll have virtually no dust.

Proper Disposal of Used Full Cheeks Aspen

A bonus of aspen bedding is that it’s biodegradable and easy to dispose. The best method is composting. You can create a dedicated compost bin or pile outdoors to deposit old bedding and droppings. The material will safely break down. Just ensure proper composting conditions to prevent odor or pests. If you don’t compost, simply double bag the used litter and put out with regular trash collection. Some areas may allow disposing as yard waste without bagging. Never try flushing aspen shavings as it can clog drains. With a natural product like Full Cheeks, disposal is quick and eco-friendly.

Cost Comparison of Full Cheeks Aspen Bedding

How does the price of Full Cheeks Aspen stack up against other bedding choices? Here is a comparison of common small animal litters:

• Aspen shavings – $15-$25 per large bag
• Paper-based – $10-$20 per bale
• Pine shavings – $5-$15 per bag
• Cedar shavings – $10-$20 per bag
• Corn cob – $15-$25 per bag
• Recycled paper pellet – $15-$30 per bag

Aspen does fall on the pricier end along with paper-based options. But owners find the superior performance outweighs a few extra dollars. Full Cheeks provides excellent value when considering benefits like high absorbency, odor control, and safety. Investing in your pet’s health and habitat cleanliness saves more over time.

Storing Full Cheeks Aspen Bedding

To get the longest life from your Full Cheeks Aspen, proper storage is key. Keep unused bags in a dry, aerated area away from direct sun and moisture. An enclosed shed or closet works well if you have large pets that use lots of bedding. The tight manufacturer’s packaging prevents dampness or pests from getting in. For smaller pets, leave bedding in original bag and squeeze excess air out before tightly sealing with a clip. Then you can store under sinks or other convenient places. Just keep it dry and sealed. With the right storage, Full Cheeks Aspen bags can last open for a year without deterioration.

The Biodegradable Nature of Aspen Bedding

One of the most eco-friendly traits of Full Cheeks Aspen bedding is that it’s 100% biodegradable. This means it easily breaks down through natural processes without harming the environment. The raw aspen wood contains no chemical additives that would make it non-biodegradable. When disposing used aspen bedding and animal droppings through composting, the material returns nutrients to the earth. Even in landfill conditions, aspen breaks down faster than wood with oils like cedar and pine. You can feel good choosing a sustainable bedding like Full Cheeks to help mother nature. Just don’t try flushing it down toilets which can clog sewer systems. Overall, aspen is a wise renewable resource for pet bedding.

How Aspen Compares to Other Bedding Types

Current pet owners have more litter options than ever before. So why does aspen stand out from other bedding materials? Here’s a quick comparison:

• Pine/Cedar – Has aromatic oils unsafe for small animals. Ammonia odor control is moderate. Softwood is less absorbent. Needs frequent changing.
• Paper-based – Very absorbent and soft but produces a lot of dust. Limited odor control. Can be costly.
• Corn cob – Absorbs well but heavy dust content. Risk of mold or bacteria without fungicides. Can stain coat.
• Recycled paper pellet – Odor controlling but poor comfort for burrowing pets. Needs an additive for clumping. Can track out of cage.
• Aspen – Light and fluffy texture. Highly absorbent and odor controlling. Dust-free and safe if ingested. Eco-friendly disposal. Provides ideal pet habitat.

When you compare the pros and cons, aspen shavings like Full Cheeks are the top choice for small animal bedding.

Do Aspen Shavings Cause Allergies?

Some owners wonder if aspen bedding could cause allergic reactions in pets or humans given its tree origins. But studies show aspen is hypoallergenic and unlikely to trigger sensitivities. The reasons are:

• Lack of aromatic oils that affect airways
• Natural resistance to mold and bacteria growth
• Dust-free production methods
• Kiln drying that removes allergens

The only exception would be a rare situation where a pet is specifically allergic to aspen wood. Outside that, aspen’s properties and purity make it ideal for allergy prone animals. Monitor your pet as with any bedding change to be sure. Always choose aspen over cedar or pine shavings which have higher allergy risks.

Full Cheeks Aspen Bedding Package Sizes

Full Cheeks Aspen comes in convenient 10 liter bags that expand substantially when fluffed. Here are the typical package sizes:

• Single 10L bag: Expands to fill one large litter box or a few small enclosures. Retails around $15-$25.
• 3-pack 10L bags: Good value for multi-pet homes to stock up. Usually retails for $40-$60.
• 20L large bag: Yields around double a regular bag. Ideal for owners with big cages to fill. Retails for $30-$40.

The company also offers bulk discounts on cases of 24+ bags for breeders, shelters, and other high-volume buyers. Reach out to their customer service for current pricing. Overall, Full Cheeks provides versatile packaging to suit any small pet owner’s needs and budget.

Odor Prevention Tips When Using Aspen Bedding

The natural absorbency of Full Cheeks Aspen goes a long way to control odors in your pet’s habitat. But there are additional tips to keep the cage smelling fresh longer:

• Spot clean urine and droppings daily
• Use enough bedding depth for absorption
• Add baking soda occasionally for extra odor control
• Change water bottle/bowl frequently
• Provide good cage ventilation and air circulation
• Wash all accessories like huts weekly
• Replace all bedding every 2-3 weeks
• Disinfect cage bottom before adding new bedding

With aspen shavings and smart cleaning methods, you can keep nasty pet odors at bay. Always avoid harsh chemicals around your small animal when cleaning.

Nesting Comfort with Full Cheeks Aspen

One advantage of aspen over paper-based litters is that small animals love burrowing and nesting in its soft, fluffy texture. Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other furry pets all receive comfort and warmth from the shavings. The bedding holds structure to prevent cave-ins as they dig. It cushions sleeping spaces optimally. Aspen also retains less ambient heat than other wood shavings so pets don’t overheat while nesting. You’ll be delighted to see the natural nesting behaviors emerge when you provide the ideal medium.

Which Pets Can Use Full Cheeks Aspen Bedding?

This super soft aspen bedding is safe for a wide range of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Suggested animals include:

• Rabbits
• Guinea pigs
• Chinchillas
• Hamsters
• Gerbils
• Mice
• Rats
• Ferrets
• Hedgehogs
• Sugar gliders
• Birds
• Snakes
• Lizards

The natural shavings work well for most species that need cage litter. Even kittens being litter trained could use it temporarily. Just ensure your particular pet doesn’t have an aspen sensitivity first. The versatility of Full Cheeks extends across many types of pets both furry and scaly.

Are There Any Chemicals in Full Cheeks Aspen?

One common concern with commercial beddings is unwanted chemical additives used in processing. Thankfully, Full Cheeks Aspen contains no artificial chemicals, scents, or treatments whatsoever. It’s 100% pure kiln-dried aspen wood shavings. No pesticides, fungicides, or other toxic chemicals are used in production. This makes it safe if ingested. Any natural compounds found in aspen pose no risk at all to animals. You can have peace of mind knowing there are zero unnatural additives. Full Cheeks Aspen is pure, clean and chemical-free.

Maintaining a Clean Habitat with Aspen Bedding

Bedding plays a big role in keeping your small pet’s home clean and healthy. Here are tips when using Full Cheeks Aspen:

• Spot clean urine/waste daily
• Empty and wash litter boxes 1-2 times per week
• Fully change bedding every 2-3 weeks
• Use enough bedding depth for absorption
• Add new shavings as needed between changes
• Wash all chew toys, bowls, hides weekly
• Disinfect hard surfaces monthly
• Replace gnawed wood objects
• Take out damp bedding promptly
• Compost or trash used litter properly

With smart cleaning methods and absorbent aspen bedding, you can efficiently maintain a fresh living space for small pets. Establish a routine and use quality litter for best results.

Conclusion

As you can see, choosing the right bedding is one of the most important supplies for your small animal’s health and happiness. After extensively reviewing Full Cheeks Aspen, it’s easy to see why it earns such outstanding reviews and recommendations from owners. This pure, chemical-free aspen bedding offers supreme odor control, comfort, safety, and convenience. While a premium bedding, Full Cheeks provides great value for the benefits. Just be sure to find the lowest prices online and sign up for product alerts. Follow the guidance in this buying guide to pick the right package size and use it properly. I’m confident your furry friend will love living in the cozy comfort of Full Cheeks Aspen! Let us know your experiences with this top bedding brand. And as always, share the joy of pet parenthood!