When setting up a guinea pig cage, you need to consider what you will put at the bottom of the cage. The most popular options include paper, hay, fleece, or grass. Each option has its own pros and cons that you should consider.
- Paper is the most common type of bedding used for guinea pigs. It is absorbent and easy to find. You can also buy it in large quantities so that you don’t have to keep going back to the store.
- Hay is a good option if you want something that is absorbent and comfortable. It is also a good source of fiber for your guinea pig.
- Fleece is a comfortable option for your guinea pig. It is also easy to clean and doesn’t require as much replacement as other types of bedding.
- Grass is a good option if you want something that is natural and comfortable. It is also a good source of fiber for your guinea pig.
What You'll Learn
How Often Should You Change The Material At The Bottom Of The Cage?
The bottom of the cage should be changed every 1-2 weeks, depending on the size of the cage and the number of guinea pigs.
Larger cages with more guinea pigs will need to be changed more often than smaller cages with fewer guinea pigs.
If the bottom of the cage is not changed regularly, it can become soiled and smelly, which can lead to health problems for your guinea pigs.
Why Is It Important To Have A Good Cage Bottom For Your Guinea Pig?
There are a few reasons why it’s important to have a good cage bottom for your guinea pig.
Provides Comfort
A comfortable cage bottom will help keep your guinea pig from getting sore feet or irritated skin. It will also help keep your guinea pig from getting bored or restless.
Provides Insulation
A good cage bottom will protect your guinea pig from drafts. Drafts can cause your guinea pig to become cold, which can lead to health problems. A good cage bottom will help insulate your guinea pig from drafts and keep them warm.
Odor Control
A good cage bottom will help to control odors and keep the cage smelling fresh.
What To Avoid Using As Bedding For Your Guinea Pig Cage
There are a few things that you should avoid using as bedding for your guinea pig cage.
- Cedar chips or any other type of chips. These can be harmful to your guinea pig if they ingest them.
- Pine shavings. These can also be harmful to your guinea pig if they ingest them.
- Straw. Straw can harbor mold and mildew which can be harmful to your guinea pig if they ingest it.
The Two Best Cage Liners
The type of liner you use for your guinea pig’s cage is very important. You want to make sure you use a liner that is safe for your guinea pig to chew on and that will not cause any health problems. There are many different types of liners available, so it is important to do some research to find the best one for your pet.
1) Paper Liners
One type of liner that is safe for guinea pigs is paper based liners. These liners are made from recycled paper and are completely safe for your pet to chew on.
They are also absorbent, so they will help keep your guinea pig’s cage clean and dry. Paper based liners are also relatively inexpensive, so they are a good option if you are on a budget.
2) Fleece
Another type of liner that is safe for guinea pigs is fleece. Fleece is made from synthetic materials, so it is not as absorbent as paper based liners.
However, it is very soft and comfortable for your guinea pig to sleep on. Fleece liners are also easy to clean and can be washed in the washing machine.
No matter what type of liner you choose, make sure it is safe for your guinea pig to chew on and that it will not cause any health problems.
As you can see, there are a variety of materials that you can use for the bottom of your guinea pig cage. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately, the best material for the bottom of your guinea pig cage is the one that meets your guinea pig’s needs and your own preferences.