Sometimes, your guinea pig may decide to chew on their bedding. This could be due to hunger or boredom.
If you find your pet chewing on their bedding, it is time to switch it up immediately. Try providing them with some hay or another type of bedding which they find more desirable.
Contents
Paper
Eating their bedding is not a common occurrence, but it could be indicative of something else going on. If your guinea pigs are constantly nibbling at their bedding, it could be indicative of dehydration or hunger.
If your guinea pig is chewing on their bedding, it’s a wise idea to ensure they get enough water and pellet food. Most bedding for these pets is designed to absorb water, so if they seem to be constantly nibbling at it, this could indicate dehydration or thirst.
Paper bedding is a popular option for many small animals and an effective substitute to hay, though there are some drawbacks to this type of bedding. It can be expensive, requires frequent washing and drying, and may cause respiratory problems in certain pets.
Newspaper or clumping cat litter are not suitable for guinea pigs as they tend to expand when wet and this can lead to intestinal blockages in these small creatures. Furthermore, these materials lack absorbency and make cleaning difficult.
Fleece
Fleece makes for an excellent guinea pig bedding choice as it’s both soft and absorbent. Not only that, but fleece also recycles easily and environmentally friendly; you can do a daily sweep and throw it in the laundry for extra clean convenience!
Guinea pigs chew constantly as part of their natural behavior. It helps them wear down their teeth and stimulates their digestive system.
However, it’s essential to remember that guinea pigs could develop intestinal blockages or anal impaction if they eat too much fleece. This poses a serious health risk and could result in malnutrition or death.
If your pet is nibbling on fleece because they’re bored, provide them with more toys and activities to keep them engaged. Doing this will prevent them from nibbling at their fleece.
Cedar or Pine Shavings
Selecting the correct bedding for your guinea pigs is essential to their health and happiness. A suitable bedding will absorb any moisture from their urine or feces, helping keep them dry and hygienic between cage cleans.
Wood shavings have been used for decades as a guinea pig bedding, but it is essential to only use dust extracted and kiln dried ones. Otherwise, your furry friend could breathe in fine dust particles which could aggravate their respiratory system and cause serious health issues.
Cedar or pine shavings can be hazardous to guinea pigs due to their phenol content, which can irritate their respiratory system and lead to skin allergies. Before using any pine or cedar shavings you purchase, make sure they have been dust extracted and kiln dried for safety.
Paper bedding is generally considered safe for guinea pigs and provides the best odor control. It’s also soft on feet with a low dust content. Unfortunately, it’s not as absorbent as Aspen wood bedding so needs to be changed more frequently.
Wood Chips
Guinea pigs have the natural urge to chew on all kinds of materials, so it’s essential that their teeth don’t become too worn down. Doing so could lead to health issues and necessitate veterinary assistance in treating any problems that do arise.
Wood chips are not recommended as a bedding material due to their lack of softness. Instead, opt for something softer like fleece that will provide your pet with greater comfort.
Depending on your environment, it may be necessary to regularly change the bedding in order to keep it clean and free of odors. Furthermore, be sure to spot clean your guinea pig’s cage regularly as well.
If you choose to use wood shavings, ensure it is either kiln dried or aspen; these are the only safe choices for guinea pigs. Cedar and pine shavings contain harmful phenols which could cause respiratory irritation in your pet.