Astro Turf/Fake Grass

[Scarlet]

Hi Everyone,
I first just wanted to thank you all for this site as it has been so so helpful for me to get ready for my guinea pigs.

Although, I've been having some trouble finding info on Astro turf in guinea pig cages. My Dad thinks it's the "most brilliant idea ever" and went straight ahead and lined my cage with it.. but I'm not 100% sure if it's going to be safe.

It's easy to clean as the rubber has hundreds of little holes to allow for draining onto the news paper and it can be shaken out and washed. Also this particular type is long and soft so it it's not going to hurt their little feet (nicer than real grass imo!). Anyway, sorry I'm rambling, I'm just worried they will eat it?

I've read a lot of conflicting views on it.. my Dad who's had guinea pigs before reckons they'll be bright enough to realise it's fake and tastes pretty gross, but I'm not too sure..

Could anyone tell me about their experience with it?

Scarlet

 

[Suzygpr]

I use astro turf in the garden, though I have never used it in a cage. My lot don't bother much with it- they have the odd tug at but they certainly don't try to eat it. They have a tray of real grass or treat hay when they are out so that gets their attention instead.

Double check that the 'grass' part is knotted in well so that the fibres can't be pulled out - if they can get to an edge they could pull off the fibres and they would have a munch then, pigs can't help themselves.

HTH

Suzy x

 

[Scarlet]

Thanks for your reply.
I've tried pulling out the grass today.. with no success so that shouldn't be a problem, only if they chew it. I decided I will keep them on news paper until I've watched them on the grass and 100% sure it's safe

 

[Lilly]

I've never thought of astroturf for piggies. Years ago when I lived in Canada we bought a house that had astroturf covering the front concrete porch. We were going to rip it up, but as we moved in during the winter we discovered it was brilliant at not icing over and becoming slippery like most concrete would. So, when we got a dog who preferred living outside, we got him a wooden house and lined it with astroturf. It certainly kept him warm and dry.

I'm a fan of fabric for piggies, so I don't see a problem with astroturf so long as it is keeping the piggies dry by allowing the urine to wick through - I know it will be soft and warm. I doubt they will mistake it for real grass and eat it. They certainly might nibble it as all piggies seem to love to chew on inappropriate things. So long as they are not ingesting a large amount, I don't see a problem. Mine will occasionally chew on their plastic pigloos and pull threads out of towels, but I manage to keep it all to a minimum by providing the cardboard roll from toilet paper or kitchen towels which they love to chew. They also seem to prefer chewing on their wooden tunnels.

 

[sunhi]

Artificial grass is an ideal all-weather surface alternative to natural grass and is still a great alternative. it can save on watering costs that usually are not much for rainy areas, artificial grass can still provide many benef. So, Artificial grass is the best choice

 

[kate7590]

My entire garden is artificial grass and iv got dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs, all on the grass and never had a problem with anyone chewing it

 

[Suzygpr]

Here a pic of my runs on the 'grass', when needed I go out with the hoover to suck up the poo to keep them clean.

Suzy x