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Are wood cages bad for guinea pigs?
In general, any soft, resinous or aromatic woods, such as air-dried pine, cedar, eucalyptus and redwood are not safe for your piggy. Although cedar and pine wood shavings are marketed for use in rodent cages, veterinarians and rodent enthusiasts discourage their use due to the phenols in the resin.
Can guinea pigs live in 2 level cages?
Multiple Levels While some small animals enjoy climbing on multi-level platforms in the cage, guinea pigs generally prefer flat, open spaces. Guinea pigs tend to be scared of heights, and even a gentle ramp leading up to a second level may be too frightening for a guinea pig to attempt.
What do you put in the bottom of a guinea pig cage?
We recommend using newspaper to line the floor of the cage. However, you should never use it as bedding on its own. It is not absorbent enough and gets wet quickly. Not only will odours linger longer, but it could also cause all sorts of health issues for your guinea pig.
Can you use a plastic bin for a guinea pig cage?
If you don’t have other pets that could potentially harm your guinea pig, you can convert a large plastic storage tub into a reasonably suitable habitat. Many guinea pig breeders use this kind of setup, and they keep a clean tub ready to transfer their animals into in order to disturb them as little as possible.
Can guinea pigs eat toilet paper rolls?
The great thing about them is that they are completely fine for guinea pigs to chew and eat. They won’t be harmed at all, and although they won’t take to it as a food, it will give them something to chew on.
Is wood safe for guinea pigs?
It is absolutely fine for your guinea pigs to chew on wood. After all, in the wild, its exactly how they wear their teeth down. Cedar, redwood, pine and eucalyptus are just a few aromatic kinds of wood that aren’t safe for cavies. When choosing a hutch, always go for one that isn’t made from processed or treated wood.
What cage is best for a guinea pig?
The best overall guinea pig cage is the MidWest Homes for Pets Guinea Habitat (available at Amazon), which has a PVC-lined bottom that’s comfortable for guinea pig feet and almost 8 feet of space for them to roam.
What materials are safe for guinea pigs?
Provide absorbent bedding: CareFresh (paper bedding), kiln-dried pine or aspen shavings (never cedar), or fleece are three top choices for guinea pig owners. Paper or shaving bedding is generally used in combination with a newspaper lining.
Can guinea pigs have a cage with levels?
Plastic tubs, glass aquariums and cages with wire floors are NOT acceptable as guinea pig housing. One guinea pig: 7.5 square feet, or about 30”x 36”, is the bare minimum recommended, but bigger is better.
Do guinea pig cages need a top?
Do we NEED a TOP for our guinea pig cage? The general answer is NO. Guinea pigs are not climbers or jumpers or escape artists. When you need to protect your guinea pigs from CHILDREN, especially small children, OR if there will be rambunctious play in the room with the guinea pigs.
Are tall cages good for guinea pigs?
This means floor space where your guineas will be able to run on and play. A cage height of 18 inches is required with all cages allowing for comfortable play and other activities. Guinea pigs should never be in a small cage where they cannot move.
What bedding do guinea pigs like?
We recommend paper bedding, Aspen, or a blend of the two to those new to guinea pigs. Fleece also can be used but with fleece, you’ll notice guinea pigs’ poop more and need to sweep it (as well hay and other debris) off the fleece daily.
Is fleece or bedding better for guinea pigs?
Fleece is gentle on your guinea pig’s feet – As you know, guinea pigs have very sensitive feet and are prone to nasty diseases like bumblefoot. Fleece bedding is much gentler on your cavy’s feet, and perfect for snuggling into.
What bedding is bad for guinea pigs?
Bedding made from cedar or pine wood shavings has a pleasant smell that can mask odors caused by your guinea pig’s urine. However, cedar and pine shavings can be highly irritating to a guinea pig’s respiratory system and can cause an allergic reaction that can manifest in a chronic skin problem.
Is plastic safe for guinea pigs?
Any plastic toy can be nibbled and chewed on, resulting in your cavy swallowing the plastic bits. These can be sharp, are totally indigestible, and have no business inside your guinea pig. Avoid the extra hours of cavy aerobics and just say no. ” Guinea pig digestive systems are very delicate.
Can a guinea pig live in a container?
You should have a secondary enclosure or a travel container that your guinea pigs can stay in while you do this, or you can put them in a safe and escape proof room in your house. If the day is particularly hot then ideally guinea pigs should be kept in an air-conditioned environment.
Is it OK for a guinea pig to eat cardboard?
A guinea pig’s teeth grow continually throughout his life, so chewing is essential to keep them worn down and prevent dental problems. Guinea pigs’ digestive systems allow them to chew wood and wood-based products such as paper and cardboard without any ill effects.
Is it OK for guinea pigs to eat paper?
Yes, its absolutely fine for them to eat it and it won’t do them any harm at all. They always need something to chew on so it will help in that instance, but because it isn’t that tasty, they will probably leave it alone once they realize it isn’t up to their usual taste requirements.
What can guinea pigs chew on for their teeth?
Wooden blocks (untreated wood only) or other guinea pig-specific items to chew on are a great option to keep them occupied and to keep their pearly whites healthy. Biting, chewing, and grinding helps to wear down the teeth and maintain a healthy length.
Can guinea pigs chew on sticks from outside?
Untreated wood sticks or blocks are fine for your guinea pig, with the exception of pine and cedar which have strong odors, making for discomfort and possible lung damage. Paper towel or toilet paper rolls are also fine, but take off as much of any remaining adhesives prior to use.
What kind of wood are guinea pigs allergic to?
Aspen bedding and kiln-dried pine shavings both have limited chemical substance that is considered to be hazardous for guinea pigs. But, due to the nature of wood shavings, they both contain dust. Even the smallest amounts of dust are proven to be harmful for your guinea pig.
What tree branches are safe for guinea pigs?
Safe Branches Maple – Safe to eat, with anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and anti-bacterial properties. Apple – Good for digestive problems, provides energy and supports wound healing. Apricot – Safe to feed. Birch – Good for urinary tract diseases as it stimulates the kidneys and is anti-inflammatory.
