Do guinea pigs need bedding in their cage?

Guinea pigs spend quite a lot of time in their habitat so they require an excellent bedding material that's not only highly-absorbent, but soft and cozy too.

What do you put in the bottom of a guinea pig cage?

The best items to put on the bottom of a guinea pig cage are absorbent, soft, and odorless. Hay, paper and aspen shavings, 100% wood pellets, and fleece meet those basic requirements. Used alone or combined with other materials, all are good options to cover the bottom of a cavy enclosure.

What can you use instead of bedding for guinea pigs?

What should guinea pigs have in their cage?

Enclosures should be lined with newspaper and then at least 5cm of soft, nontoxic, nonabrasive, inedible, dust-free and absorbent bedding to provide cushioning and prevent foot problems. Suitable options for bedding include soft grass hay, fleece fabric, and shredded paper.

Can I use a bath mat as guinea pig bedding?

Bath mats are very comfortable for guinea pigs. They have most of the perks of fleece (minus the variety of patterns), with less of the headaches. For example, no wicking is involved. Also, they're light and very easy to switch out and to clean.

What is the Best Guinea Pig Bedding? Fleece vs Pine

What do guinea pigs like to sleep on?

While they don't sleep much, guinea pigs still need a secluded, comfy spot to snooze. Place a sleeping box or cuddle cup in your furry friend's cage and line it with some soft hay or paper bedding to keep him comfy. Get a large sleeping box for more than one guinea pig to share.

Can I use a towel for guinea pig bedding?

Got some old towels somewhere in your home? If so, you can totally throw them in your guinea pigs' cage and use them as bedding!

Can I use puppy pads in my guinea pig cage?

So, can you use puppy pads in a guinea pigs cage? Puppy pads can be used in a guinea pigs cage as long as they are switched out, or cleaned often. Leaving them in the cage for too long can make it a dirty place for them to live.

What do guinea pigs go to the bathroom on?

Guinea pigs can be trained to go to the bathroom in a litter box. Some get the hang of it quickly, while some never learn. That's just how it is. Just remember that it's not your guinea pig's fault if they poop outside the litter box - sometimes they can have accidents or simply forget.

Do guinea pigs need pee pads?

Many pet owners that keep guinea pigs use pee pads in their cage. When it comes to which ones you can use for guinea pig cages, you basically have two types. Washable pee pads for guinea pigs cages and disposable ones. The type of pee pads you decide to use depends on the easiest way for you to clean their cage.

When should I start handling my guinea pig?

If you've brought your guinea pigs home for the first time then it's recommended that you don't handle them for a week in order to let them get settled into their new home. This may be hard to resist but your guinea pig will thank you for it in the long run!

Do guinea pigs like their cage covered?

ALL CAGES should have a PARTIAL, OPAQUE COVER. We think of a needing a cover for keeping them safe. Full cage covers, if they are open enough for proper ventilation and light, then they still aren't really providing that sense of security your guinea pigs desire. They want to feel safe from overhead birds of prey.

How do you keep a guinea pig cage from smelling?

To keep your guinea pigs smelling good, clean their cage at least once a week by replacing the bedding and wiping everything down with soapy water. You can also spray the bottom of the cage with 1 part white vinegar and 9 parts water when you clean it to help eliminate odors.

Is tap water OK for guinea pigs?

A good rule is to offer your guinea pigs the same type of plain water that you drink. If you drink tap water, that's fine for your guinea pigs.

Do guinea pigs like to be in the dark?

So, do guinea pigs like the dark? Yes, guinea pigs prefer the dark. They are prey animals and can easily be spotted during daylight hours by predators.

Do guinea pigs get cold at night?

Your Guinea Pig's Preferred Climate

Some rodents, like ground squirrels or Eastern chipmunks, hibernate when the weather turns cold, but guinea pigs don't. Instead, guinea pigs are most comfortable in air temperatures of about 65°F to 75°F. Anything below about 60°F is probably too cold for your pig.

Do guinea pigs need light at night?

As a general rule, guinea pigs do not need a light at night. Guinea pigs can't see in the dark, but they have sharp senses and skills that help them navigate their cage – such as hearing, smell, and spatial memory. In fact, keeping their cage dark at night benefits guinea pigs in several ways.

How often should guinea pigs be handled?

Many guinea pigs love quality time with their owners, so handling your guinea pigs is great fun. Once your guinea pig gets to know you, then they'll enjoy being hand-fed and petted, so it's up to you how much you hold them - do so as often as you like.

What kind of toys can guinea pigs play with?

Do guinea pigs like showers?

Guinea pigs don't enjoy being wet, and in cold climates bathing guinea pigs and not drying them off properly can give them chills, and make them feel very miserable at the very least.

What can I use instead of pee pads?

Is fleece better than bedding for guinea pigs?

Question: If you use fleece as bedding for your guinea pig, won't the fleece eventually smell of pee and poop? Answer: Fleece smells better than regular shavings would because the poop can be regularly swept and cleared from the cage; the fleece will stay dry if you prep it properly.