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What To Use As Bedding Material For Your Guinea Pigs
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Having a pet guinea pig is such a joy. Watching them play, eat, and scamper around in their cages is fun especially because they are so cute and cuddly. To keep your pets healthy and happy you should invest in proper bedding for them. There are many options for their bedding and this includes straw, paper, or even wood shavings.
Paper is abundant and cost efficient source of bedding. In terms of the comfort, paper is to guinea pigs, while feather is to humans. In addition, clean paper does not have dust and they absorb liquids easily. However, the only concern with paper is if it contains ink that is poisonous to guinea pigs.
Some may consider soft wood shavings as the best option for bedding. Shavings have a number of shapes depending on the order. Wood can be cut to look like pellets or actual shavings, or something complete different.
Wood shavings also smell nice especially when made from pine trees. They are also an affordable choice although a drawback is that they tend to retain dust and can get pretty messy.
Before placing the shavings in the cage, it's a good idea to dry them out first. Guinea pigs can be allergic to the smell of the wood thus using a cage instead of an aquarium is better as it allows air to circulate and spreads the smell of the wood.
Other pet owners also like to use straw or hay as bedding. There is an added treat for the guinea pigs as they like to eat straw.
Keep the straw dry and clear of molds. When the straw gets wet, they get easily damaged.
Never use sawdust as bedding. These are too fine and the guinea pigs will inhale the dust. Also, don't use hard materials as your guinea pigs might poke their eyes on them.
Paper is abundant and cost efficient source of bedding. In terms of the comfort, paper is to guinea pigs, while feather is to humans. In addition, clean paper does not have dust and they absorb liquids easily. However, the only concern with paper is if it contains ink that is poisonous to guinea pigs.
Some may consider soft wood shavings as the best option for bedding. Shavings have a number of shapes depending on the order. Wood can be cut to look like pellets or actual shavings, or something complete different.
Wood shavings also smell nice especially when made from pine trees. They are also an affordable choice although a drawback is that they tend to retain dust and can get pretty messy.
Before placing the shavings in the cage, it's a good idea to dry them out first. Guinea pigs can be allergic to the smell of the wood thus using a cage instead of an aquarium is better as it allows air to circulate and spreads the smell of the wood.
Other pet owners also like to use straw or hay as bedding. There is an added treat for the guinea pigs as they like to eat straw.
Keep the straw dry and clear of molds. When the straw gets wet, they get easily damaged.
Never use sawdust as bedding. These are too fine and the guinea pigs will inhale the dust. Also, don't use hard materials as your guinea pigs might poke their eyes on them.
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