Guinea Pig Cages - Guinea Pig Bedding

Making a Cage a Home - Bedding

Avoid Pine and Cedar Like The Plague Bedding means the wood chips, hay or straw that you keep in the bottom of the guinea pig's cage for it to lie on and chew on. While you may be tempted to buy the sweet smelling pine or cedar shavings sold in pet stores, don't. The phenols (pleasant odor-producing chemicals) present in cedar and pine are poisonous to many small animals. If you use pine or cedar scents, eventually your guinea pig may develop respiratory system problems, liver damage and a compromised immune system. A safe bedding is Aspen. Aspen is a hardwood and is safe for guinea pigs. You can buy Aspen at pet store chains for anywhere between four and fifteen dollars.

Another safe bedding is called CareFresh. These shavings are made from recycled wood paste and are biodegradable. Both Aspen and CareFresh have good absorbency and odor control. You can buy CareFresh for around five dollars for a liter bag. For the highest absorbency of all, consider using Cel-Sorb Plus. This is made from recycled paper and claims to be 400% more absorbent than wood shavings. If you have a garden, you can use Cel-Sorb Plus as fertilizer or compost instead of throwing it away. You can find Cel-Sorb Plus at PetSmart in inexpensive eight-quart bags. Hay and wood pellets are also options, especially for those who live in rural areas. Spread a thick layer of bedding on the cage floor. You will need to change the bedding about two or three times a week, depending on how many guinea pigs you have.