Because guinea pigs spend so much time in their habitat, they need Bedding For Guinea Pigs that are not only comfortable but also very absorbent. As a responsible pet owner, you want to get the greatest bedding for your rodent pals, preferably something that reduces smells and doesn’t harm them in any way. You might be surprised to learn that not all guinea pig and small animal bedding is made equal.
Now, isn’t it a frightful proposition? The good news is that we’re about to run through the best and worst options for guinea pig bedding so you can make an informed decision. Thanks to the helpful advice, you may now confidently select the best bedding material for your cavies’ apartment.
Recommended Types Of Bedding For Guinea Pigs:
The three most popular modern guinea pig bedding options are paper, aspen, and fleece. All three of these choices are highly sought after due to their low levels of risk and several advantages. Like any other product on the market, each bedding choice has benefits and drawbacks as a sleeping surface. Let’s go deeper into the best guinea pig bedding topic!
Paper Bedding For Guinea Pigs:
The majority of guinea pig keepers choose paper bedding for their pets. As an explanation, consider its suppleness, absorbency, and ability to tame unpleasant odors. The problem is that although all paper bedding is generally constructed of the same material, there is a wide variety in terms of quality and kind among different manufacturers. Consequently, it can be difficult for pet owners to choose the best product. Here are a few things to think about while shopping for paper bedding.
The Stink Factor:
As someone who has tried several of these items, I can confidently state that they are very different from one another and that each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some look particularly rough and unpleasant, while others don’t seem to absorb urine very well. Furthermore, if you cannot change to more absorbent bedding material, your guinea’s cage will quickly become overrun with odorous waste. We can all agree that a pet in a filthy cage is miserable and sickly.
Bedding For Guinea Pigs The Dust:
The quantity of dust produced by various brands of paper bedding also varies greatly. In the first place, poor-quality guinea pig bedding generates a lot of dust. That’s terrible news for the guinea pigs’ health since it increases the risk of allergies and respiratory issues. Second, it’s a huge pain to clean their environment. It would be best if you opted for a paper bedding brand that uses a material that is less likely to shed lint and dust. As a result, maintaining your pet’s environment requires far less effort.
The Danger Of Ingesting The Paper Bedding For Guinea Pigs:
Your guinea pig may try to consume the bits of paper that make up the bedding. However, this is quite unlikely. If moist balls form in their stomach, it can cause major health problems or even death. Because of this, keep a close eye on your guinea pigs after introducing paper bedding to make sure they aren’t trying to consume the bedding. If you’ve noticed that they like to chew on the bedding, try switching to a safer material like fleece or aspen.
Fleece Cage Liner:
When I first got Muffy and Lilly, I lined their cage with fleece. There is perhaps nothing cozier for your pet. The thick cushioning is a mattress for rats sandwiched between layers of soft, comforting fleece. Among all the guinea pig bedding options, fleece liners are the most cost-effective. The time and effort you save come at a cost, though. That means there will be an increase in your washing load. However, if you seek luxury, you have found the appropriate bedding here.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
- Some manufacturers provide their fleece blankets with sleeved compartments for burrowing.
- Heavy-duty absorbency
Cons:
- The laundry piles up!
- If the padding gets too dirty, it might taint the wash and even cause harm to the machine.
- Changing them takes time, and most pet owners buy an extra pair.
Aspen Bedding:
As has been established, aspen bedding is devoid of stink, dust, and aromatic oils or phenols. Aspen shavings, whether kiln dried or not, or ordinary shavings, are both suitable for bedding.
Pros:
- Non-toxic
- Zero chemical
- Eco-friendly
- Dust-free
- Non-toxic
- Zero chemical
- Eco-friendly
- Tolerable for ingestion without risk
Cons:
- Neither as soft nor as absorbent as paper or fleece.
- More costly than some alternatives for sleeping quarters.
- Because of its super absorbency, this material is somewhat cumbersome when in use; thus, you may need to clean the cage more frequently (every 7-10 days).
Unscented, Large Granule/Strand Paper Pellets:
We’ve finally reached my preferred option for guinea pig bedding. My best friends Muffy and Lilly have been eating long strand paper pellets from Yesterday’s News for the past five years. For me, the unscented kind is the best of all worlds because it eliminates any trace of odor. In terms of moisture absorption, you should expect three times as much. Incredibly, there are no puddles or damp spots. The pellets may look lengthy but be assured and gentle on the paws.
Natural Paper Bedding For Guinea Pigs:
Paper-based natural paper bedding is ideal for guinea pigs and other tiny, confined animals. It’s a bit pricy, but you get a lot of bedding for your money, and it’s quite soft and comfy. When you open the bag, you may be surprised at how much is inside due to the compression during shipping. Due to their vulnerability, they require special care to avoid illness and ensure a long, healthy existence. Maintaining a clean living environment ensures their continued health and happiness.
Conclusion:
Many Bedding For Guinea Pigs owners is confused about the finest bedding options. This blog doesn’t recommend a certain set of sheets but outlines the various possibilities. For guinea pigs, there is a wide variety of bedding and cage lining materials to choose from. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so pick the one that best suits your guinea pigs and yourself. Every owner has unique preferences when choosing a bedding or cage lining material. Investing in high-quality bedding for your guinea pig is a great way to demonstrate your affection for your pet.
FAQs:
Do Guinea Pigs Need Bedding Or Hay?
Unavoidably, guinea pigs enjoy it. They use it for all four major life functions: eating, playing, foraging, and sleeping.
What Bedding Should Guinea Pigs Avoid?
Wood shavings produced from cedar or pine have a nice aroma that might help to hide the stink of your guinea pig’s pee.
What Do You Put On The Bottom Of A Guinea Pig Cage?
Absorbent, soft, and unscented materials are ideal for lining the bottom of a guinea pig cage. Necessities can be met with hay, paper and aspen shavings, 100% wood pellets, or fleece.