Guinea pigs have become favorite pets in many households due to their friendly and sweet nature. Guinea pigs are delicate pets, but they are easy to take care of as long as you follow some simple rules on how to look after them to ensure that they are comfortable and happy.
There are many types of guinea pig bedding in the market and getting the right bedding is crucial for your guinea pig’s well-being. The bedding will determine whether the guinea pig will be healthy and happy or not. You can purchase guinea pig bedding or improvise it by using readily available materials at home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Guinea Pig Bedding
Price
The price of guinea pig bedding will depend on how it is made. Cheap bedding is most of the times not of good quality and will not last long. This, however, shouldn’t stop you from looking for more affordable options in the market. Fortunately, some companies have taken it upon themselves to make quality bedding that sells at a cheaper cost.
What Material Is It?
Guinea pig bedding comes in different types, and each type may vary in effectiveness. The material should also be safe for your pig, so you need to be keen on the kind of bedding that you are choosing.
The type of material will also determine how absorbent the bedding will be. Some materials are highly absorbent and great at odor control, and some are not. Some materials are also very soft while others are not as soft, and you need to look at your pig’s reaction to the bedding that you got. If you are keeping a guinea pig for the first time, you can try out all the different types of bedding to determine which one makes your guinea pig happy and which in turn makes you happy.
How Available Are You? / How Easy Is It to Maintain?
The type of bedding that you choose should also depend on how available you are. Some bedding requires daily maintenance. Therefore, you need to create time in your schedule for it. If you are a busy person, you can go for bedding that does not require a lot of maintenance; one that can go up to a couple weeks without getting ruined.
The Size of the Cage
How big or small the cage is will also determine the kind of bedding that you will need to use. Make sure that you have different measurements of the cage before you purchase the bedding so that you don’t get the one that is too big or too small for the cage.
Types of Guinea Pig Bedding
Paper Bedding
This is the most common type of bedding among guinea pig owners. Paper bedding is preferred because it is soft and highly absorbent and also great at odor control. Paper bedding, however, has a downside in that you might get one which is cheaply made. Cheaply made paper bedding is usually dusty, and this might cause respiratory problems in your pet. You, therefore, need to be sure that the bedding is from a reputable company.
Fleece
Fleece is also popular bedding for guinea pigs because the pigs enjoy nestling and burrowing in the fleece. The bedding can be cotton or polyester. Fleece bedding does not absorb fluid waste, but it lets it drain through the first layer which remains dry. Good fleece bedding, therefore, should have an upper layer made of soft fleece, a middle layer made of absorbent cotton and have a waterproof material in the bottom layer. Fleece bedding is soft and very comfortable, and it is reusable, thus cost-effective. You can use fleece bedding alone or combine it with other bedding such as paper or aspen.
It is important to note that fleece bedding needs to be cleaned and maintained on a daily basis. This will help to prevent odors, and this also means that the bedding should not be used in small or unventilated spaces.
Wood Shavings
Aspen
Aspen, although more expensive, is the most recommended type of bedding among wood bedding. It is much safer for guinea pigs compared to other types of wood shavings. Aspen does not contain any oils, dust, or scent that might cause respiratory problems. Aspen is also highly absorbent and excellent at odor control.
Pine
Pine is a cheaper option to aspen and also readily available. Pine bedding is absorbent, and you should make sure that the shavings are soft and dry before using them. Pine is however not recommended as it contains natural oils which may cause long-term respiratory problems in your guinea pig.
Hay
Hay bedding should not be used alone, and it should instead be combined with other types of bedding because hay also makes up most of the guinea pig diet. While hay itself is cheap and natural, it is very rough and non-absorbent, and it does nothing about the odor.
What If You Are on a Tight Budget?
If you are running on a tight budget, you can improvise the paper bedding by using shredded paper. However, you should ensure that the paper (if you are using newspaper) does not have toxic ink as this may be harmful to your pet. You should also spray the shredded paper with a little water to get rid of dust created during the shredding process and make sure that the paper shredding is completely dry before putting it in the cage. The homemade paper bedding should only be for emergencies and not as a long term solution as it may get soaked easily and does not absorb odor.
If you cannot afford fleece bedding, you can get creative with the clothes and towels that are available. You can use any cotton cloth or cotton towel as bedding for your guinea pig. This is a cost-effective alternative because it is affordable and reusable. Like fleece bedding, however, you will need to perform daily cleaning and maintenance.
What Guinea Pig Bedding Should I Avoid?
Cedar
Cedar bedding should be avoided at all costs. Cedar contains a pleasant smell but which might irritate your guinea pig’s respiratory system and it may also lead to an allergic reaction. The scented oils present in the wood can also lead to liver damage in your guinea pig.
Straw
Straw is not suitable bedding for guinea pigs because it is non-absorbent and will do nothing about the fluids or ammonia smell produced by your guinea pig’s urine. Straw is also hard and stiff, and it will not be comfortable for your guinea pig. Straw can also cause physical injury to your guinea pig when it splinters.
Corncob
Corncob is also unsuitable bedding because it is prone to mold. Your guinea pig might also eat the corncob pellets because of their size. Corncobs swell when mixed with water, and once your pig ingests the corncob, it will most likely experience intestinal blockage which might become fatal. The pellets might also get stuck in your guinea pig’s anal area, and this may lead to infections.
Cat Litter
Cat litter contains chemicals that help to get rid of odors, and these chemicals are not safe for guinea pigs. The pigs might also ingest the litter leading to health problems. Cat litter might also be uncomfortable for your guinea pig’s skin.
Useful Tips for Managing Guinea Pig Bedding
- Your guinea pig needs to have a clean and dry environment daily. It is advisable to remove all your pet’s droppings daily to prevent it from ingesting its own droppings.
- The bedding needs to be deep enough to allow your guinea pig to burrow in it comfortably
- It is best to purchase guinea pig bedding from a reputable brand
- Set reminders for changing your guinea pig's bedding for both you and your pet’s good.
Best Guinea Pig Bedding Choices
1. Small Pet Select Natural Paper Bedding
This guinea pig bedding is free from any harmful chemicals, and it would be ideal for your pig. The bedding is soft and comfortable to your guinea pig’s delicate feet, and it will enjoy nesting and burrowing in it. The paper bedding is highly absorbent and great at odor control, so you shouldn’t worry about a stinky room. It is also dust-free, thus it won’t cause respiratory issues as well as being ideal for guinea pigs with respiratory issues.
The paper bedding is voluminous and durable, and you can use it for up to three months. The bedding does not leave any mess behind even when your pig comes out of the cage, and it is easy to clean. It is also well-priced, thus it saves you the cost of buying other brands of paper bedding that are similar to this.
pros
- Highly absorbent
- Good at odor control
- Free from dust and harmful chemicals
- Soft and comfortable
cons
- Guinea pigs may ingest the paper bedding
2. Kaytee Cuddle E-Cup Bed
This animal bed is ideal for your sweet little furry friend. The super sleeper Cuddle E-Cup is super comfortable with an interior made of super-soft, well-padded faux fur to ensure that your guinea pig is cozy inside. The bed is the perfect size for your guinea pig, and it provides it with enough room to turn around freely, and it can also accommodate up to two full-grown guinea pigs.
The Cuddle E-Cup comes with sturdy straps that allow you to secure the bed into place inside your pig’s cage. The bed is made from good quality and durable polyester material, and it is reusable and easy to clean, and you can throw it into the washing machine or wash it by hand. The beds come in various colors for you to choose the one that complements your style.
pros
- Hand and machine washable
- Spacious
- Safe and comfortable
- Can be attached to the cage securely using the straps that are provided
- Comes in various colors
cons
- The bed needs daily cleaning and maintenance
3. GuineaDad Fleece Liner 2.0
GuineaDad fleece liner has been designed with the guinea pig and its owner’s interest in mind. It is designed to allow the guinea pig to burrow in as much as it wants. The liner is highly absorbent and has a waterproof bottom to ensure that your guinea pig is dry at all times and this helps to prevent your pet from getting bumblefoot.
The liner is made from natural bamboo which is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial to prevent infections. It is also resistant to odor; therefore, you do not have to worry about your room stinking because of your guinea pig’s urine and droppings. The liner is easy to clean and is machine washable. It is high quality, durable, and cost-effective. The GuineaDad fleece liners are made slightly larger to compensate for shrinkage during the first couple of washes.
pros
- Highly absorbent
- Good quality
- Safe and natural
- Designed to accommodate guinea pig's burrowing instinct
cons
- The liner takes a long time to dry
4. Vitakraft Fresh World Strength Crumble Bedding
This paper bedding is ideal for your guinea pig because it can freely burrow in it to its heart’s satisfaction. The paper crumbles are free of toxins and chemicals that might harm your pet, and it is highly soft and comfortable to your guinea pig’s delicate feet. It is highly absorbent and can absorb moisture up to three times its weight and controls odor for up to 14 days; allowing you to spend more time on your pet and less on cleaning its cage.
The crumble bedding is free from dust, thus safe for your guinea pig’s respiratory system. It is also friendly to the environment as it is made from recycled paper. The bedding is easy to clean up for replacement, and it does not leave any mess behind. A good point to note is that it is also made in the USA.
pros
- Highly absorbent
- Great at odor control
- Free from dust
- Environmentally friendly
cons
- It can stick to surfaces when soiled
5. Kaytee Soft Granule Blend
This granule blend bedding, also made in the USA, is highly absorbent and it can absorb moisture up to three times its weight to ensure that your pet’s habitat is always clean and dry. This helps to prevent the build-up of bacteria and fungi that might cause complications to your pet’s health. It is safe for your pet as it does not contain any harmful chemicals. The bedding is voluminous and covers the floor of the guinea pig’s habitat deep enough to allow your pet to burrow in it.
The granule blend is high quality and completely dust free, thus safe for your pet’s respiratory system. It is good at odor control and lasts a long time. The bedding is also easy to clean up, and you can easily vacuum or sweep up the small granules that might escape the habitat.
pros
- Free from dust
- Free from chemicals
- Highly absorbent
- Good at odor control
cons
- The granules can be messy.
6. Carefresh Complete Pet Bedding
Carefresh has gained a good reputation for producing some of the best bedding for small animals. The bedding is all natural, made using raw, natural fiber free of chemicals; thus it will not pose any health risks to your pet's health if it ingests the bedding. It is pillowy soft and comfortable, and your pet will love it. The bedding is also dust free and therefore won't lead to respiratory problems in your pet.
The Carefresh Complete Pet bedding is highly absorbent to ensure that the guinea pig’s habitat is always dry, and it is great at odor control and can be used for up to 10 days before you start to notice your pet’s urine smell. The bedding is easy to clean as it does not leave any mess behind when being removed from the cage.
pros
- Made from natural material
- Highly absorbent
- Easy to clean out
- Great at odor control
cons
- It is a bit more expensive than other alternatives
7. Mid West Piggy Liner by Piggy Bedspreads
If you are looking for a guinea pig bedding that will save you money, then this is the bed for you. It is reusable, and you can toss it in the washing machine once a week every week thus saving you money for buying replacements after a short time. The bedding is super comfortable and highly absorbent as the fleece drains your pig urine to ensure that your pet is dry at all times.
The fleece bedding has a cute design that will automatically improve the appearance of your pet’s habitat. The bedding also has a reversible design to allow you to have two different looks for your guinea pig's cage. It comes in different colors and designs to match your style. You can easily clean the bedding on a daily basis by simply vacuuming or sweeping up the guinea pig droppings.
pros
- Highly absorbent
- Reusable thus cost effective
- Easy to clean
- It has a reversible design
cons
- The fleece bedding is a bit pricey during the purchase
8. Kaytee Clean & Cozy
This is the best cheap guinea pig bedding in our list, but this doesn’t mean that it is not good bedding for your guinea pig. The bedding is highly absorbent, and it can absorb liquid up to six times its weight, and this also prevents your pet from health complications due to a damp environment. It is also great at odor control and comes in various pet safe scents to neutralize the smell of your pet’s urine. The bedding is soft and super comfortable to provide a cozy environment for your pet
Kaytee small animal bedding is free from chemicals that might harm your pet. It is also dust-free and therefore prevents your pet from developing respiratory complications. The bedding is USA made, and it is environmentally friendly due to being made from recycled fiber strands.
pros
- Comes with different pet safe scents
- Highly absorbent
- Soft and comfortable
- Friendly to environment
cons
- The bedding might stick to surfaces and create a mess
9. Carefresh Confetti
This is another product by Carefresh that will make great bedding for your guinea pig. The bedding is made with comfyfluff that makes it soft and cozy for your delicate pet. It is highly absorbent to ensure that your pet’s cage is dry at all times and it controls odor for up to 10 days. The bedding has a high density to allow your guinea pig to burrow to its heart’s desires.
Carefresh confetti small pet bedding is made from natural fibers obtained directly from its source. This means that the bedding is free from any harmful chemicals. It is also dust-free to ensure that your pet does not get any health complications resulting from poorly and cheaply made bedding. The different colors in the bedding will immediately improve the appearance of your pet’s cage as well as add color to the room.
pros
- Safe for your pet
- Highly absorbent
- Different colors improve the appearance of the cage
- Soft and cozy
cons
- The bedding is a bit pricey
Bottom Line
The care guide that we have provided will help you choose the best bedding for your guinea pig. You might come across imitations and fakes, and therefore you need to be keen while purchasing the bedding so that you buy the correct one. As long as you know which type of bedding works best for your guinea pig, then it shouldn’t be hard for you to choose one or more from the list of guinea pig bedding that we have prepared for you.