If you are a starter in keeping guinea pig or you have an intention of keeping one, you might question yourself, do guinea pigs need bedding?
The answer is yes, they do. Just like us human beings, guinea pigs need to sleep comfortably.
The second question on your mind could be, which is the best bedding for guinea pigs?
To get the answer to this question, you will need to walk through this information, and the best guinea pig bedding ideas that will help you make your decision.
Stay on to find out.
Guinea Pigs Love Comfort and odor free
Guinea pigs are not exceptional from other domesticated pets. They too love their comfort and to feel they are well-cared. They have great self-love, and they enjoy keeping comfortable without any interference.
If they lack the comfort they need, sadness, depression, and lack of appetite sets in which can cause ill health.
One of the ways to make your piggy friend comfortable, safe, and warm is by lining its cage with comfy beddings.
General Features of the Best Bedding
The bedding you choose to use should be a thick lining, and you should change it frequently. Guinea pigs feet are delicate, and therefore you need to get bedding that is soft to protect this animal’s little and sensitive feet.
Avoid scented bedding. Scents can interfere with the sensitive respiratory system of your guinea pig. Also, stay clear of dusty beddings. They too are unsafe and can cause respiratory health issues.
If you are using paper or shaving bedding, you can remove the soiled part only and leave the rest part that is clean in between the changing time.
When doing complete bedding change, you can use that time to wipe the cage using warm water and safe detergent to remove odor and also to clean the soiled areas of the cage.
Before you place the change of bedding, make sure the cage is completely dry. Doing that, you will be preventing the habitat getting molds and other bacteria.
There are many different kinds of beddings but, they are in three main group types.
When you want the best guinea pig bed option, you will have to consider the cage, whether you wish for disposable one or not, and your pet’s favorite.
Once you consider these factors you will narrow your choice to the right one.
#1 Fleece Bedding
Fleece bedding is much expensive compared to other types. But, it is the best to use. What is right about this bedding is that you can use it for a long time. It is not disposable like other types of beddings and therefore it is economical to use.
If you get the right fleece bedding, it would be a cozy, warm, and clean cage. With the fleece bedding, it is easy to keep your pet’s cage clean.
Fleece bedding is not absorbent, and therefore it is not meant to absorb the urine of your pet. Different from the others whereby they absorb the urine to dispose of later, fleece bedding will pass the urine underneath which you might line it with a towel. That way, it becomes easy to wash it even if you choose to do it on a daily basis. After all, it is only the underneath towel you will be changing.
Tip: If you find that your pet has soiled the fleece on a small area, you can wipe the soiled part using a damp cloth only if it is not in a mess. You will then use a hair dryer to blow and dry the damp area. Of course, you will have to remove it from the pen first since you don’t want to scare you piggy with the dryer’s noise.
There are several nice fleece beddings, but the best fleece bedding for guinea pig is Kaytee Super Sleeper Cuddle E-Cup Bed for Small Animals
which is the safe bedding for guinea pigs. You can try this bedding and you will undoubtedly like it and your piggy as well. You can buy it from Amazon. It comes in various colors which will give you a variety of choice.
#2 Paper Bedding
Paper bedding is another good choice. The best thing about this type of bedding is that it is eco-friendly.
Paper bedding is made from recycled paper, which also is keeping the environment clean. Be sure it is non-toxic as you know your piggy may ingest it.
Paper bedding is not expensive to buy, but it can end up costing you since you will need to keep on changing and refilling with some fresher.
Other times you will find it is just a part that is soiled. In such a case, you will remove the soiled bedding only and leave the rest. Also, clean the part of the cage that had the dirty bedding, wipe it dry and refill it with fresh bedding.
Paper bedding is comfortable since it is fluffy and especially if you choose the right one such as Carefresh Complete Pet Bedding
. This bedding is highly absorbent the best bedding for guinea pig odor control. It is fluffy and of low dust. Your little friend will love the comfy-fluff of this bedding.
#3 Wood Shaving Bedding
Wood shaving is another type of bedding you can choose. However, not all wood shavings are safe. For instance, cedar and pine shaving have strong phenol smell which could affect the respiratory system of your piggy. Others have sharp wood particles that can hurt your pet.
Be careful when selecting this type of bedding to avoid getting such anomalies.
Aspen wood shaving is the best to use on the choice of shaving bedding. It does not have the phenol smell since it contains no volatile oils. It has only the natural woody smell which your pet would love.
However, it is hard to find this type of shaving, and it is expensive comparing it with cedar and pine which as mentioned is not safe as piggy bedding.
Aspens shavings are dust-free because the wood source is hardwood. However, it is not high absorbent since it does not expand. In that case, then, you will have to change it frequently to eliminate ammonia odor or combine it with absorbent bedding such as paper.
A good selection for wood shaving bedding is Absorbtion Corp carefresh shavings Plus Small pet
. It has a mixture of shaving and paper which makes it absorbent and fluffy.
Just like paper bedding, shaving bedding will need frequent changing to avoid the ammonia smell and other factors such as being moldy and getting bacteria.
If the bedding that dirty you can remove the part that is soiled and replace it with the fresh bedding.
Other Beddings
Timothy Hay Bedding
Won’t your pet love this? But, if you choose to use hay as bedding, you will have to use absorbent bedding for the underside since hay is not absorbent. You can combine it with paper bedding on the bottom.
When your piggy is resting, it will be working on its teeth with Timothy hay while getting addition fiber. Again, your piggy will enjoy burrowing in the hay if it needs privacy.
Wood Pellet
It is difficult to find this type of bedding. But, the bedding can be uncomfortable for your pet to walk on it. It is more like you walking on gravel floor on barefoot. Unless you want to top line it with other bedding such as paper, it will not be the best choice.
Cloth
Cotton cloth or towel can also serve as guinea pig bedding. But, you will have to change and wash it daily to keep your pet dry.
Polyester
Other beddings are made with polyester material. As much as they are comfortable and soft, they are not absorbent, and the fluid will pass through.
To keep the cage clean when having this type of bedding, you will have to clean or replace it daily and wash it. The different thing with this bedding is that it is reusable.
What to Avoid As Bedding
Cedar and Pine Shavings
As mentioned, this shaving bedding will be harmful to your pet’s respiratory system. It exudes phenol smells that are not good to breathe and especially for the sensitive guinea pig respiratory system and can damage the liver as well.
Cat Clumping
Cat clumping is meant for cats and not for guinea pigs as bedding. It has an odor-neutralizer chemical which can harm your pets breathing system. It can also entangle the hair when it gets caught in it.
Corn Cob
Can you believe using such bedding for a soft-pawed animal like guinea pig? Your pet can also ingest the pellets which can damage its digestive system.
Sawdust
Sawdust contain fine particles which your pet can inhale and cause unhealthy respiratory system. Avoid this type of bedding.
Conclusion
Now, you won’t have to ask, “What can I use for guinea pig bedding?” again. You have all the guinea pig bedding ideas you need. Therefore, don’t wait any longer. Go for it! Your pet will thank you later!
While shopping for your pet’s bedding, remember to use guinea pig bedding options given in this article and you will make the best selection.
Always keep your pet’s cage clean and odorless by changing the beddings as they get soiled. You will also prevent bacterial or mold growth if you keep your pet’s habitat clean.
Remember, to commit yourself a few hours daily to give your pet attention. If you think you will get caught up in your busy schedule, then adopt another same-sex companion to keep it company.
Guinea pigs are little social animals and therefore need a company constantly.