BEDDING OPTIONS
Choosing the safest most suitable bedding for your guinea pig is a must to ensure it remains healthy, happy and free from any respiratory illness or distress.
When choosing a bedding you must ensure it is absorbent, free from dust and volatile oils and cannot be inhaled or consumed.
Here in Australia there is a wide range of bedding's available for guinea pig owners, some are best used in conjunction with others. Newspaper for example should
always be used with another bedding and not alone due to its low absorbency and insufficient odour control. It can however be used temporarily by itself but not as
a permanent bedding material.
Bedding Options
Choose below is a comprehensive list of suitable bedding's
Wood
Paper
Fabric
Hay
Wood
Shavings are deemed a popular choice for many guinea pig owners. However any wood product should always be free from any aromatic oils as these can cause
severe respiratory illness and in some cases the chemicals have been know to cause early liver disease especially in rabbits and mice. Do not use sawdust or cedar
bedding's and carefully screen any pine bedding for these chemicals.
Hysorb wood shavings
These shavings are considered to be the best wood product to use. They are environmentally friendly, kiln dried and have under gone dust extraction preventing
any potential respiratory distress.
Pros
High absorbency
Dust extracted
Kiln dried
100% Environmentally friendly
Specifically made as an animal bedding
Cons
May be expensive in the long term
Price: Hysorb wood shavings are $7.00 - $12.00 and can be purchased via produce stores or pet wholesalers/warehouses.
Aristopet Wood Pellet Eco Litter
This bedding is environmentally friendly, and is made from Australian pine and timber waste which is then compressed into a pellet form. It is a popular bedding
due to its odour control, absorbency, cleanliness and ease . However owners must be aware that any wood pellet based bedding may be hard on your cavies feet. It
may also clump and become damp when soiled, so it should preferably be changed when this does occur. Some owners mix it with another bedding material such
as hysorb or polar fleece to reduce this.
Pros
High absorbency
Biodegradable
Environmentally Friendly
Odour controlled
Does not clump or crumble
Absorbs 4 times its own weight in water
Cons
May be hard on cavies feet
Dangerous if consumed
Price: Aristopet prices range from $5 -$28 depending on the bag size. Bags are available in 5kg, 15 kg and 20kg. Can be purchased via large pet retailers or via their
website.
Breeders Choice Pine Wood shavings
This bedding is an all natural product made from kiln dried pine. It has undergone dust extraction and screening to prevent respiratory distress in animals. The
weaker the pine smell the less aromatic oils are present making it a much healthier bedding. Due to its availability in relatively large sizes storage options may be a
concern.
Pros
High absorbency
All natural Product
Dust Extracted
Kiln dried
Cons
Large size may present storage concerns
Must ensure aromatic oils (phenols) are not present before purchase
Price: Comes in large sizes which may vary the price and availability of this product. A standard bale is a clear poly bale, which is stretch wrapped onto pallets. The
larger sized bales are a “wool pack” size bale. This bedding is suitable if you wish to purchase a large amount in bulk. Can be purchased via produce stores or
enquire availability at their website
Paper
Depending on which paper bedding you use some may be more absorbent than others. Paper bedding's can be used in conjunction with other materials always
find out which works best for you.
Carefresh
Unlike other bedding material, it works to suppress the formation of ammonia, the primary odour caused by pet urine. CareFresh absorbs 3x its weight in liquids
from pet urine or water bottle leaks so cages can stay clean and dry.
CareFresh Pet Bedding lasts twice as long as shavings so you save time and money. CareFresh Pet Bedding is softer and less dusty than other forms of bedding. It's
cleaner and healthier for you and your pet. CareFresh has turned the pulp and paper industry waste into pet owners’ favourite brand of pet bedding.
Pros
Free of inks, dyes, clay, and chemicals used in the paper making process
Processed to remove potentially harmful aromatic hydrocarbons that exist in pine and cedar oils
CareFresh Pet Bedding is tested for contaminants and sanitized to 380 Degrees Fahrenheit to reduce bacteria, mold and fungus.
CareFresh Pet Bedding provides unsurpassed odour control for your pet's habitat.
Cons
May be expensive and needs to be used correctly
Price: $25 - $35.00
Availability: Purchase Online
Newspaper/Shredded Paper
These bedding's can be used on a temporary basis but never permanently. If using these bedding's always use them with another high absorbency bedding which is
odour controlled. Newspaper and shredded paper bedding's are not absorbent and do not control odour. They also will need to be changed more regularly to
prevent soiling and ammonia build up. Always use in conjunction with another type of bedding preferably one which is absorbent, dust free, and controls odours.
Pros
Affordable
Easy to purchase
Cons
Not as absorbent as other bedding's
Does not control odour
Has a tendency to become very damp when soiled
Price: Relatively cheap, can be purchased in bulk lots at newsagents, friends/family or recycling facilities.
Fabric
Material based bedding's should always be used in conjunction with another bedding. The benefit of these bedding's is they are affordable, can be re used, and
keep the top layer dry making them last longer. Polar fleece must be modified and washed 2-4 times before first use, otherwise it will not wick away the urine and
will become damp. This is a very common mistake that many owners make with fabric based bedding's, they do not use it correctly.
Fabric bedding is also recommended for boars prone to impaction problems. They will have the benefit of a clean, smooth bedding compared to shavings and
paper products which have a tendency to become stuck in the perineal sac when scent marking; it is also recommended for long haired cavies. Fabric bedding also
makes it easier to detect illness. Any blood/ coloured urine will be much easier to see on a light coloured bedding compared to the darker colours of conventional
wood and paper products.
Towelling
An easy cheap and affordable bedding. Can be used underneath fleece and is very absorbent, it also includes the benefit of being re used. However it will become
heavy when wet especially if a lot of urine is absorbed.
Pros
Affordable
Reusable
Cut to size
Absorbent
Dust/allergen free
Soft, easy to walk on
Illness detection made easy
Keep fur clean
Reduces impaction problems
Cons
May get heavy when wet
Must be used in conjunction with another bedding
Price: Relatively cheap; prices vary depending on which brand you use. Can be purchased from manchester and fabric retailers.
Polar Fleece
A very popular bedding. This material wicks away urine keeping the top clean and dry. The urine is then absorbed by another bedding beneath. Must be used in
conjunction with another absorbent bedding such as Breeders Choice or towels. Comes in a variety of colours and patterns adding a decorative touch to any cage.
Fleece bedding must be washed 2-4 times before use and must be set up correctly in order to be effective. Many owners do not follow the guidelines deeming
Fleece useless. It must be used correctly in order to get the full benefit.
Pros
Affordable
Reusable
Cut to size
Dust/allergen free
Soft, easy to walk on
Illness detection made easy
Keeps fur clean
Reduces impaction problems
Wicks away urine keeping it perfectly dry
Cons
Must be used in conjunction with another bedding
Must be used correctly to be effective
High maintenance when preparing to wash/clean
Price: Depends on how many metres you purchase. Price will vary depending on the colour and pattern. The average price for fleece is between $10- $30. This price
is paid only once since fleece is reusable making it a very affordable long term bedding. It is also available at manchester and fabric stores.
Hay
Similar in characteristics with newspaper. It is not an absorbent bedding and should always be used in conjunction with another type of bedding that is absorbent.
Must be replaced daily to prevent bacteria and mould growth.
Pros
Purchased in bulk
Used as a food source and bedding
All natural
Cons
Must be replaced daily
Not absorbent
Must be used with another bedding material
Price: Can vary depending on the type and area in which the hay is purchased. May be hard to find a good quality grass hay. An approximate price is between $8 -
$16.
Choosing the safest most suitable bedding for your
guinea pig is a must to ensure it remains healthy,
happy and free from any respiratory illness or
distress.
When choosing a bedding you must ensure it is
absorbent, free from dust and volatile oils and
cannot be inhaled or consumed.
Here in Australia there is a wide range of bedding's
available for guinea pig owners, some are best used
in conjunction with others. Newspaper for example
should always be used with another bedding and
not alone due to its low absorbency and insufficient
odour control. It can however be used temporarily
by itself but not as a permanent bedding material.
Bedding Options
Choose below is a comprehensive list of suitable
bedding's
Wood
Paper
Fabric
Hay
Wood
Shavings are deemed a popular choice for many
guinea pig owners. However any wood product
should always be free from any aromatic oils as
these can cause severe respiratory illness and in
some cases the chemicals have been know to cause
early liver disease especially in rabbits and mice. Do
not use sawdust or cedar bedding's and carefully
screen any pine bedding for these chemicals.
Hysorb wood shavings
These shavings are considered to be the best wood
product to use. They are environmentally friendly,
kiln dried and have under gone dust extraction
preventing any potential respiratory distress.
Pros
High absorbency
Dust extracted
Kiln dried
100% Environmentally friendly
Specifically made as an animal bedding
Cons
May be expensive in the long term
Price: Hysorb wood shavings are $7.00 - $12.00 and
can be purchased via produce stores or pet
wholesalers/warehouses.
Aristopet Wood Pellet Eco Litter
This bedding is environmentally friendly, and is
made from Australian pine and timber waste which
is then compressed into a pellet form. It is a
popular bedding due to its odour control,
absorbency, cleanliness and ease . However owners
must be aware that any wood pellet based bedding
may be hard on your cavies feet. It may also clump
and become damp when soiled, so it should
preferably be changed when this does occur. Some
owners mix it with another bedding material such
as hysorb or polar fleece to reduce this.
Pros
High absorbency
Biodegradable
Environmentally Friendly
Odour controlled
Does not clump or crumble
Absorbs 4 times its own weight in water
Cons
May be hard on cavies feet
Dangerous if consumed
Price: Aristopet prices range from $5 -$28
depending on the bag size. Bags are available in
5kg, 15 kg and 20kg. Can be purchased via large pet
retailers or via their website.
Breeders Choice Pine Wood shavings
This bedding is an all natural product made from
kiln dried pine. It has undergone dust extraction
and screening to prevent respiratory distress in
animals. The weaker the pine smell the less
aromatic oils are present making it a much
healthier bedding. Due to its availability in relatively
large sizes storage options may be a concern.
Pros
High absorbency
All natural Product
Dust Extracted
Kiln dried
Cons
Large size may present storage concerns
Must ensure aromatic oils (phenols) are not present
before purchase
Price: Comes in large sizes which may vary the price
and availability of this product. A standard bale is a
clear poly bale, which is stretch wrapped onto
pallets. The larger sized bales are a “wool pack” size
bale. This bedding is suitable if you wish to
purchase a large amount in bulk. Can be purchased
via produce stores or enquire availability at their
website
Paper
Depending on which paper bedding you use some
may be more absorbent than others. Paper
bedding's can be used in conjunction with other
materials always find out which works best for you.
Carefresh
Unlike other bedding material, it works to suppress
the formation of ammonia, the primary odour
caused by pet urine. CareFresh absorbs 3x its
weight in liquids from pet urine or water bottle
leaks so cages can stay clean and dry.
CareFresh Pet Bedding lasts twice as long as
shavings so you save time and money. CareFresh
Pet Bedding is softer and less dusty than other
forms of bedding. It's cleaner and healthier for you
and your pet. CareFresh has turned the pulp and
paper industry waste into pet owners’ favourite
brand of pet bedding.
Pros
Free of inks, dyes, clay, and chemicals used in the
paper making process
Processed to remove potentially harmful aromatic
hydrocarbons that exist in pine and cedar oils
CareFresh Pet Bedding is tested for contaminants
and sanitized to 380 Degrees Fahrenheit to reduce
bacteria, mold and fungus.
CareFresh Pet Bedding provides unsurpassed odour
control for your pet's habitat.
Cons
May be expensive and needs to be used correctly
Price: $25 - $35.00
Availability: Purchase Online
Newspaper/Shredded Paper
These bedding's can be used on a temporary basis
but never permanently. If using these bedding's
always use them with another high absorbency
bedding which is odour controlled. Newspaper and
shredded paper bedding's are not absorbent and
do not control odour. They also will need to be
changed more regularly to prevent soiling and
ammonia build up. Always use in conjunction with
another type of bedding preferably one which is
absorbent, dust free, and controls odours.
Pros
Affordable
Easy to purchase
Cons
Not as absorbent as other bedding's
Does not control odour
Has a tendency to become very damp when soiled
Price: Relatively cheap, can be purchased in bulk
lots at newsagents, friends/family or recycling
facilities.
Fabric
Material based bedding's should always be used in
conjunction with another bedding. The benefit of
these bedding's is they are affordable, can be re
used, and keep the top layer dry making them last
longer. Polar fleece must be modified and washed
2-4 times before first use, otherwise it will not wick
away the urine and will become damp. This is a very
common mistake that many owners make with
fabric based bedding's, they do not use it correctly.
Fabric bedding is also recommended for boars
prone to impaction problems. They will have the
benefit of a clean, smooth bedding compared to
shavings and paper products which have a
tendency to become stuck in the perineal sac when
scent marking; it is also recommended for long
haired cavies. Fabric bedding also makes it easier to
detect illness. Any blood/ coloured urine will be
much easier to see on a light coloured bedding
compared to the darker colours of conventional
wood and paper products.
Towelling
An easy cheap and affordable bedding. Can be used
underneath fleece and is very absorbent, it also
includes the benefit of being re used. However it
will become heavy when wet especially if a lot of
urine is absorbed.
Pros
Affordable
Reusable
Cut to size
Absorbent
Dust/allergen free
Soft, easy to walk on
Illness detection made easy
Keep fur clean
Reduces impaction problems
Cons
May get heavy when wet
Must be used in conjunction with another bedding
Price: Relatively cheap; prices vary depending on
which brand you use. Can be purchased from
manchester and fabric retailers.
Polar Fleece
A very popular bedding. This material wicks away
urine keeping the top clean and dry. The urine is
then absorbed by another bedding beneath. Must
be used in conjunction with another absorbent
bedding such as Breeders Choice or towels. Comes
in a variety of colours and patterns adding a
decorative touch to any cage. Fleece bedding must
be washed 2-4 times before use and must be set up
correctly in order to be effective. Many owners do
not follow the guidelines deeming Fleece useless. It
must be used correctly in order to get the full
benefit.
Pros
Affordable
Reusable
Cut to size
Dust/allergen free
Soft, easy to walk on
Illness detection made easy
Keeps fur clean
Reduces impaction problems
Wicks away urine keeping it perfectly dry
Cons
Must be used in conjunction with another bedding
Must be used correctly to be effective
High maintenance when preparing to wash/clean
Price: Depends on how many metres you purchase.
Price will vary depending on the colour and pattern.
The average price for fleece is between $10- $30.
This price is paid only once since fleece is reusable
making it a very affordable long term bedding. It is
also available at manchester and fabric stores.
Hay
Similar in characteristics with newspaper. It is not
an absorbent bedding and should always be used
in conjunction with another type of bedding that is
absorbent. Must be replaced daily to prevent
bacteria and mould growth.
Pros
Purchased in bulk
Used as a food source and bedding
All natural
Cons
Must be replaced daily
Not absorbent
Must be used with another bedding material
Price: Can vary depending on the type and area in
which the hay is purchased. May be hard to find a
good quality grass hay. An approximate price is
between $8 - $16.
Bedding