Yes, guinea pigs can be around wood as long as it is untreated and free of pesticides and toxins. The safest types of wood for guinea pigs are apple, willow, aspen, and pine. When selecting wood for guinea pig habitat, avoid cedar and any other type of softwood as have high levels of aromatic oils which can be toxic for guinea pigs.
Additionally, stay away from treated or crafted wood due with stains, dyes, and glue that can contain toxins and can dangerous to your pet.
To make sure the wood is safe for guinea pigs, try to purchase it from pet stores or speciality wood sellers, as they will be able to explain what kind of wood it is, and if it properly treated. To ensure their safety, guinea pigs should also be kept away from wood that has been outdoors or collected from wooded areas, as these places may be contaminated with dangerous organisms or chemicals.
What type of cage is for a guinea pig?
The best type of cage for a guinea pig is a roomy, multi-level wire cage with solid plastic trays that can be easily cleaned. Guinea pigs are active and love to explore, so a larger cage is recommended.
The floor should be solid, not wire, and should be lined with a soft material like wood shavings or soft paper to provide insulation and cushioning. The cage should also be tall enough so that your guinea pig can stand up on his/her hind legs without hitting the top.
Aim for a cage that is at least 24”x24”x12”. Guinea pigs also need a hiding place in the form of a small box or igloo to provide shelter and stimulation. A shallow litter box should also be provided with plain, unscented, dust-free bedding to accommodate the instinctive need for burrowing.
Be sure to include a shallow water dish as well as hay and other guinea pig-safe chew toys.
Can I use plywood for a guinea pig cage?
Yes, you can use plywood for a guinea pig cage. Plywood is a great choice for the walls of guinea pig cages as it is strong and durable, and it provides a secure enclosure. However, it is important to take certain precautions when using plywood; it must be sealed on all sides with waterproof sealant, and any nails should be countersunk to ensure the guinea pig is not injured.
Additionally, it is best to use plywood specifically designed for outdoor use such as ACX plywood, as this type is weather-resistant and better for long-term use. Lastly, it is important to remember that plywood should only be used as the walls of the cage, and not the bottom, as it is difficult to keep clean.
Where should a guinea pig cage be?
A guinea pig cage should be in a quiet area of your home away from drafts, direct sunlight, and any noise that could startle them and cause them to become stressed. The cage should be tall enough to accommodate the guinea pigs’ natural instincts to climb and jump, so at least 12 inches in height is recommended.
It should also have a solid bottom as guinea pigs have sensitive feet and could be hurt by wires, grates, or other bottom materials. Additionally, the cage should have plenty of room for your pet to move around and explore.
The cage should be cleaned regularly, either daily or every couple of days, and bedding should be changed weekly or when it appears soiled. Depending on the size of your guinea pig, you can purchase a cage large enough to house more than one.
If you choose to do this, ensure they have enough food, bedding, and hiding places to accommodate two or more pets.
Do guinea pigs smell up room badly?
No, guinea pigs typically do not have an unpleasant odor. They have scent glands on the sides of their bodies, but the smell coming from these glands is described as being similar to that of freshly mown hay.
In order to prevent any potential odors from guinea pigs, it’s important to keep their cage clean by regularly changing their bedding, cleaning the bottom and sides of their cage and if necessary, adding an air freshener or deodorizer to their cage.
But overall, as long as their cage and bedding are kept as clean and dry as possible, guinea pigs should not be obviously smelly and it should not be necessary to deodorize their cage.
How much time do guinea pigs need out of their cage?
Guinea pigs need at least 2 to 3 hours of playtime outside of their cages each day. Make sure to provide them with a safe and secure space in your home where they can exercise and explore. Set boundaries and supervise playtime and limit their access to certain areas of the home that may not be suitable or safe.
During this time, let your guinea pig roam freely and provide them with a variety of toys and interesting objects to explore. Additionally, offer your guinea pig physical and mental stimulation by providing food hidden in cardboard and paper products for them to ”hunt”, playing hide and seek using their favorite treats, or engaging in cuddly playtime.
Do guinea pigs prefer dark or light?
Guinea pigs prefer to be in an environment that is neither too dark nor too light. Too much light can cause them stress, while too much darkness can make them anxious. Guinea pigs prefer a moderately lit area, but one with some natural light for their enrichment.
They should also have some areas of their enclosure that are darker, such as in the corners where they can retreat to for comfort, privacy and security. A comfortable temperature is also important for guinea pigs, and overly bright or dark environments can make the temperature too hot or too cold for them.
Guinea pigs should also have some shaded areas so that they can regulate their body temperature. Ultimately, guinea pigs prefer an area with moderate lighting, plenty of shade, and a comfortable temperature in order to continue to be healthy and active.
Is it OK for guinea pigs to chew on wood?
No, it is not recommended for guinea pigs to chew on wood. Wood can contain bacteria, fungi, and parasites that may cause health problems for guinea pigs, including gastrointestinal illness and can lead to dental problems.
Guinea pigs can also choke on splinters and small pieces of wood. In addition, the chewing of wood can damage their teeth, as guinea pig teeth are constantly growing and the chewing of wood wears them down.
Furthermore, wood may contain toxic substances, such as pesticides or preservatives, which can be harmful to animals. If any wood is offered to guinea pigs, it should be untreated wood that has been acquired from a reputable source.
As an alternative to wood, there are many other items such as hay or chew toys that provide safer ways for guinea pigs to satisfy their need to chew.
What is for guinea pig bedding?
Guinea pig bedding is material used to line the bottom of a guinea pig’s cage or hutch, including items like wood shavings, shredded paper, and sometimes straw. Wood shavings, in particular, are the most commonly used guinea pig bedding, as they are absorbent, stable, and provide a comfortable environment for your pet.
When selecting wood shavings for your guinea pig’s hutch, it is important to choose shavings made from non-aromatic woods like aspen or pine, as these are least likely to cause any reaction in your guinea pig.
In addition to providing a comfortable space for a guinea pig to rest and play, bedding can also control odor, absorb urine and provide insulation against cold temperatures. It’s important to clean the bedding regularly to help maintain the health and cleanliness of your guinea pig’s hutch.
What can guinea pigs not use for bedding?
Guinea pigs should not use bedding materials such as cedar, pine, corn cob, walnut shells, and anything scented as these can cause respiratory issues for guinea pigs. They should also not use anything made of foam or with synthetic fabrics,These materials can cause harm to your guinea pigs.
Additionally, avoid using hay, straw, or any type of wood shavings as these can cause the cages to become dusty which can cause respiratory problems. As a rule of thumb, only use bedding that is specifically designed for small animals, such as bedding made from recycled newspaper or wood pulp.
It is important to regularly change the bedding to keep it clean and free of any allergens or odors.
Can I give my guinea pig a stuffed animal?
Yes, you can give your guinea pig a stuffed animal, but it is best to supervise them when doing so. It is important that the material of the toy is safe for them to chew on and that it doesn’t have any small parts that can break off, as these could pose a choking or intestinal blockage hazard.
If the toy has no removable parts, make sure it is made of a soft material that is safe for your guinea pig to chew on. Also, be sure to watch that they don’t try to eat any of the stuffing as it can cause intestinal blockages.
Finally, stuffed animals can create a wild environment for your guinea pigs, so be sure to monitor their behavior when introducing a new toy.
Can I use towels as bedding for my guinea pig?
No, it is not recommended to use towels as bedding for your guinea pig. Towels are not absorbent and may be abrasive on your guinea pig’s skin. Furthermore, unfiltered dust and particles may become trapped in your towel, leading to upper respiratory problems for your guinea pig.
It is best to use bedding specifically designed and made for guinea pigs. Examples of good bedding materials include wood shavings, paper-based bedding, and fleece. Wood shavings provide cushion, insulation, and warmth while also allowing your guinea pig to burrow, while paper-based bedding is absorbent and provides the necessary home comfort.
Fleece bedding provides the insulation benefits of wood shavings while also being more comfortable, however, it is usually more expensive than the other two types. Additionally, all of the bedding should be changed regularly to prevent bacterial and fungal growth due to urine and feces.
Do guinea pigs need closed cage?
Yes, guinea pigs need a closed cage for several reasons. First, closed cages protect the guinea pig from predators, such as cats and birds. Keeping the guinea pig in a closed cage also gives it a secure area to hide and rest.
Open cages can also present a safety hazard for guinea pigs, due to the risk of them escaping or being exposed to sudden weather changes. The cage should also be tall enough for the guinea pig to stand up, as well as wide enough for them to move comfortably and safely.
Guinea pigs also need cage accessories such as sleep boxes and hiding houses. A closed cage is the best way of ensuring the guinea pig has all the necessary items it needs to remain healthy and comfortable.
What size tank does a guinea pig need?
A guinea pig needs a minimum of 10 gallons (38 liters) of space, and ideally, they should have at least 15 gallons (58 liters). It is important to note that while these are the minimums, they should ideally have even more space.
A 2×5 foot (1.5 x 0.9 meter) cage is considered suitable for one or two guinea pigs, who should have plenty of room to roam. Additionally, it is important to make sure the tank is not too tall; the walls should be no higher than 12 inches (30 cm).
Guinea pigs are ground-dwelling animals, so they should not be housed in a tank that is too tall as it will limit their activity, so look to get a tank that is more in the direction of width than height.
Finally, when choosing a tank, look for one with a sturdy, secure lid and multiple levels to ensure your guinea pig has ample opportunity for enrichment.
Where do guinea pigs sleep in a cage?
Guinea pigs typically sleep in their cage wherever they find comfortable and secure. Since guinea pigs need to feel secure and safe to sleep, many owners place blankets and cloths around the cage for their furry friend to snuggle up in.
If the cage is furniture-based, some owners will add wooden platforms or adjustable shelves for their guinea pig to sleep on. Another option is to create a “hideout” or “playhouse” for the guinea pigs to rest in.
These hideouts can be simply made out of cardboard boxes, wine boxes, or cut-out squares of wood. Lastly, another great option is to provide your furry-friend with an igloo or “sleeping hut” to rest in.
This can be made out of materials such as plastic, wood, or fleece fabric. Ultimately, guinea pigs sleep wherever they feel most secure in their cage.
Is it OK to cover my guinea pig cage at night?
Yes, it is generally OK to cover your guinea pig cage at night. Doing so can help to provide a safe, quiet, and dark sleeping area for them, which is important for their health and wellbeing. It can also help to contain their heat, keeping them warm and comfortable throughout the night.
When covering the cage, make sure to use a light-weight, breathable material that will not restrict airflow or pose a suffocation risk. Additionally, leave a gap at the top of the cage to allow air to circulate.
Finally, make sure the covering is securely fastened with clips or ties in the corners to keep it in place.
Do guinea pigs like to be covered at night?
Yes, guinea pigs do seem to appreciate having some kind of covering at night. Blankets, towels, boxes and even t-shirts can make a nice and cozy sleeping area. When sleeping in a cage, a guinea pig may feel safer if their cage is partially covered, so keeping some kind of a soft cover on hand can be beneficial to your guinea pig.
Don’t forget to give the cover a shake or remove it when you come to check on them in the morning. Overheating is a very real concern for guinea pigs, so make sure the cover isn’t too thick or too warm for them.
Additionally, some guinea pigs prefer to hide away in huts or other small enclosures at night and having something warm, dark and streamlined can make them feel more secure. If possible, it is a good idea to provide your guinea pig with multiple types of covers to choose from and try to rotate them so that things don’t get too stale.
Are guinea pigs noisy at night?
No, guinea pigs are generally very quiet and do not make any loud noises at night. They do, however, make very soft, low squeaks and wheeks, which can be louder in volume if you have multiple guineas living in one space.
These noises are usually associated with happiness, but can also be a sign of boredom and loneliness. Guinea pigs are most active during the day, so you may hear more squeaks and wheeks during the day than at nighttime.
However, if you do hear noises at night, it is likely just your guinea pig making their little noises and is nothing to worry about.