Bedding: Which is Best for You and Your Pigs?

One of the most widely debated topics in guinea pig care is the type of bedding owners use in their pets’ cage. After extensive research on each type of bedding we could think of, we’ve compiled all our thoughts on each in this post.

Also, check out our YouTube video on Fleece vs Bedding here!

Paper Bedding

Pros

-Paper bedding is soft and comfortable, and when applied with correct maintenance techniques is particularly absorbent - twice as absorbent as your traditional wood shavings!

-You won’t find as much of a stinky smell in your guinea pigs’ space anymore, as paper bedding has the advantage of 10-day odor control.

-Some believe that paper bedding is dusty and messy, but many companies have been able to reduce the dust so that the bedding becomes more comfortable for your piggies and less annoying for you.

Cons

-Unfortunately, paper bedding is very cost-inefficient, specifically for filling larger cages. When our guinea pig, John, had paper bedding in his cage, we were visiting our local PetCo once or twice each month to buy a fresh package of paper bedding.

-Maintenance can be extremely difficult. With John’s old bedding, we decided to save money by hand-picking each poop and wet spot using gloves (meaning we didn’t have to clear out the entire cage and then supply it with fresh bedding every day), but this method was unnecessarily time-consuming and frustrating. Other spot cleaning methods are also known to take a lot more time and energy than with fleece or other bedding.

-When left in the cage for too long, bedding will begin to get dusty and stinky.

Earlier in his life, we used paper bedding in John's cage before eventually switching to fleece.

Aspen Bedding

Pros

-Aspen bedding encourages natural behaviors guinea pigs would normally put to use in the wild, such as nesting and burrowing.

-Aspen bedding is dust and scent free, so you don’t have to worry about either of these common issues many guinea pig owners complain of.

-If you do all your research and buy the right type and brand, aspen bedding is completely non toxic and safe for your piggies.

Cons

-Since aspen bedding is made from trees, it has the disadvantage of being less absorbent and soft than paper bedding.

-Lots of types of aspen bedding are actually toxic for your piggies. Since aspen bedding originated as wood, it depends on the quality of the wood and how the wood is processed. You must be careful when buying aspen bedding to make sure that it’s non-toxic.

-Like paper bedding, aspen bedding must be replenished regularly, meaning that you will find yourself visiting the pet store once or twice every month to buy an expensive package of bedding.

Paper/Wood Blend

Pros

-A blend of paper bedding and safe wood bedding (scroll down for more info on unsafe/toxic wood beddings) has the benefit of paper bedding’s absorbent qualities, but is cheaper due to the less expensive wood material.

-Both parts of this bedding have excellent odor control and are dust free.

Cons

-Unfortunately, like paper and aspen bedding, this choice is also very cost-inefficient and takes a lot of visitsto pet stores and unnecessarily spent money.

-Maintenance can be difficult and frustrating, and like both paper and aspen bedding by themselves, you’re forced to get creative with your spot cleaning method.

Fleece Liners

Pros

-Super soft and comfortable for your piggies, fleece is practically the small animal equivalent of a mattress.

-Fleece is never messy, unlike shavings or paper, which can be flung around everywhere when your piggie gets an urge to zoom.

-Very cost- and time-efficient. Sure, you’ll spend a ton of money initially purchasing your fleece liners, but when applied with the correct maintenance and care will last your pig’s lifetime and beyond. Plus, spot cleaning is easy - all you need is a dustpan and a sweeper.

Cons

-Buying fleece initially costs a daunting amount of money, and it may be easier for some guinea pig owners to continue making smaller purchases every few weeks rather than a large one all at once.

-Full cleans, which we suggest doing once a week, are a long process and take at least two hours all around in which you have to find an alternative place for your piggies to live while your liners are in the washing machine. Oftentimes, owners will buy two different sets of fleece liners, for one to replace the other while it’s in the wash. However, this is outside of many owners’ budgets, who are forced to think outside the box during fleece washing time.

*Fleece blankets are also an acceptable option that share all the benefits of fleece liners but are much less expensive.

The Big Bedding No-Nos

Soft Wood Shavings

Soft wood shavings, like pine and cedar, are absolutely unacceptable for guinea pig bedding. Both are extremely dangerous due to the aromatic hydrocarbons, or phenols, it gives off. Since guinea pigs have sensitive respiratory systems, these phenols can be harmful and even life threatening if used as your piggies’ bedding.

Cat Litter

Cat litter, especially clumping cat litter, is not a good bedding for your piggies to live in. Since it’s made with chemicals, if ingested, cat litter can cause disease and even death. In short, save the cat litter for your kitties’ feces.

Straw

Yes, guinea pigs love eating hay. Does this mean it should be their permanent bedding? No. Straw, a tougher and drier version of hay, lacks any absorbent qualities, meaning your guinea pigs would be forced to live among their own waste constantly. In case you haven’t figured it out by now, that’s bad - it can cause diseases and probably depression in your piggies. Plus, it’s dangerous for your piggies’ feet, eyes, and mouths, which if poked will not feel good.

Corn Husks

These long, wispy strands derived from the vegetable we humans love eating on cobs do not make good bedding. This is because if eaten, it could cause intestinal blockages, not to mention that it is prone to mold. You don’t want your piggies living in mold, do you?!

Bottom Line

Though paper, aspen and a mix of the two are perfectly suitable beddings, we recommend fleece as the easiest, most cost-efficient and comfortable choice for your piggies’ bedding.

We hope you found this article informative and helpful. Leave a comment below on your recommendations, or a review on your current type of bedding. We’d love to hear from you!