guinea pig supplies

Guinea Pig Supplies

Guide to Guinea Pig Bedding and Supplies

Despite the fact that guinea pigs are relatively low maintence pets there are still some rules that must be observed when it comes to selecting guinea pig bedding.

First of all the following materials must be avoided:

A folded bath towel.
Pine shavings – these are POISIONOUS for guinea pigs.
Cedar shavings – EXTREMELLY DANGEROUS. Cedar shavings are known to cause respiratory problems. Some guinea pigs are also allergic to cedar.
Straw – Straw is rough and may injure your guinea pig. Straw also does not absorb droppings nor smell.

Here are the materials we recommend:

Aspen (expensive and no odor control.)
CareFRESH – CareFRESH looks sort of like shredded egg cartons and is made from wood pulp that cannot be processed into paper. CareFRESH is especially popular because it inhibits the formation of ammonia thus providing excellent odor control.
Crown Pellet Bedding – made from recycled newspaper which is then compressed into pellets. Like CareFRESH, crown pellet bedding controls odor but due to its rough texture it cannot be used as the sole bedding. Instead layer underneath something softer.
Corn Cob Bedding – popular for its ‘organic’ roots and soft enough to use as the sole bedding. If you choose to go this route please monitor regularily for mold growth as corn cob bedding grows mold faster than other bedding options.
Timothy Hay – This is the option we consider the best for the following reasons – Timothy hay is soft, has a wonderful scent, and is a food source for your guinea pig. In fact your guinea pig will spend hours tunneling around in the hay…making sleeping nests, etc. The best place to purchase Timothy hay is directly from a farmer, farm supply store, or gardening center.

Guinea Pig Cage

Basic Supplies:

A place (or places) for your guinea pig to hide. Remember, your guinea pig is a prey animal by nature and is simply going ot be happiest when he has a place to hide out of sight. We recommend PVC pipe as its cheap and doubles as a play tunnel. Any kind of nondestructable overturned box with a hole (so your guinea pig can climb in and out) will work as well. Check out the local pet store and see what you can find.

A water source – We recommend a bottle with a metal drinking tip. The main advantage of the water bottle is its easy for your guinea pig to use, easy for you to fill, and you won’t have to deal with it constantly being knocked over. However if you guinea pig is not drinking enough water, consider adding a water dish.
Hay rack – A hay rack attaches to the outside of your guinea pig’s cage. This ensures your guinea pig always has fresh hay to nibble on.
Clay bowl for food – too heavy to for your guinea pig to knock over.

Cage Terrain Supplies

The sky is pretty much the limit when it comes to how you want to decorate your guinea pigs cage. Here are a couple additions we recommend:

PVC pipes – You can build tunnels for your guinea pig to play in. If you add in T joints and and elbow joints you can have fun creating an elaborate set of tunnels for your guinea pig to explore.
Bricks and rocks – Both of these items are fun for your guinea pig to play (exercise is good) on AND bring the added bonus of being rough enough to keep your guinea pig’s claws filed down.
Balls and mirrors. Anything that moves is going to be a big hit.

First Aid Supplies

3% hydrogen peroxide solution
Antibiotic ointment
Artificial tear gel
Anti itch spray
Ear wipes
Eye wipes
Bitter apple spray
Bandages

- Small and large
- Gauze
- Stretch bandages
First aid lotion
Cotton balls
Cotton swabs
Optional items:
- Saline solution to flush eyes
- Needleless syringe
- Latex gloves
- Tweezers
- Tick release ointment
- Rectal thermometer
- Vaseline
- Penlight
- Storage container to hold first aid supplies

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