best substrates would be aspen, Carefresh (basically dried paper pulp) and other non pine substrates.

As for a natural setup...most likely a soil/sand mix covered with forest debris (ie leaves, branches etc) though this would be a pain to find clean and free of bugs, unless you want to bake it in the oven to ensure any unwanted bugs are killed, (baked at low heat, about 200 F). Cypress mulch that has been allowed to dry could be fine or similar non pine/cedar based 'cover' material you can find in garden centers (basically broken bark bits)

Though to be honest, with rats, just plain aspen shavings work best. Other substrates may not absorb odor as well and will need to be clean frequently to ensure a clean environment for the rats and the cage doesn't get too humid either.
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PHLdyPayne

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