On this page I will discuss with you the best and worst bedding material for your cavy.
There are several types of bedding material available for your pet.
Every type of bedding has its advantages and disadvantages. Also, know
that different people have different opinions on what type to use. You
will have to decide for yourself and your expenses. It is very
important to purchase the best, cleanest, and dryest bedding material
you can afford.
The different types available are:
Wood Shavings:
Advantages:
smell pleasant and absorb urine and odors
are not too costly
Disadvantages:
cavies may chew on the bedding leading to health problems
sharp particles may harm your cavy's eyes or feet
fine dust from wood shavings irritate their lungs and may lead to allergies
There are types of wood shavings that make a good source of bedding, these are:
Aspen
Kiln-dried Pine (recommended by some and not by others)
Never use cedar or plain Pine wood shavings!! These have oils in the wood that can be extremely harmful for your pet.
Use of wood shavings is mostly discouraged, but from a finacial point of view, they are usually more affordable.
Recycled shredded or pelleted paper products:
Advantages:
Good for long-haired cavies
Softer for cavies with sensitive feet
Non-allergenic
You can make an excellent bedding using this on the cage floor and adding a light layer of hay over the top.
Disadvantages:
Can be expensive
Brands to try: Yesterdays News or CareFresh
Other bedding:
There are also different varieties of fabric, fleeces, flannels you can
use as bedding. (I would recommend you familiarize yourself with what
kinds are safe to use and how to properly use them.)
A product known as Vetbedding (for dogs), is highly recommended by some caviest.
Some cavy owners simply use black and white newspaper as a layer
on bottom of the cage and add a layer of soft hay for bedding. This
makes cleaning a snap, as you can simply roll the newspaper up along
with the hay.
Whatever you use, please be sure to change the bedding once a week. Or as often as necessary.
