Cage Liners Or Sawdust?

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Rosyautumn girl

Rosyautumn girl

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Hi everyone
We are new to the world of GPs! Learning on the job whilst hopelessly getting more and more attached to these little beauties by the day!
Been doing lots of research into everything and have come across a few people mentioning 'cage liners'. Been told about 'ziggies piggies' and am that close to getting one, but thought I'd check with you gp experts first, because as we got our piggies from pets at home, you would think they are totally up on what's best, and they provided us with sawdust, but now I've seen these liners they look so much softer and snugly and to be honest trying to clear up all that poo in a whole heap of sawdust is neigh on impossible?! Surely it must be easier with a liner, and you can wash them too.

So, your opinions would be very much appreciated, cage liners or sawdust? Or does it not really matter? If I suddenly put a cage liner in will it really unsettle them? We've only had them since Saturday so I've got to do the big 'disinfectant' clean this Saturday which will mean up heaving them, so if I got a cage liner it would probably be added to their home the following Saturday (awaiting delivery etc)

Thank you, sorry to waffle on! You will soon realise I am quite the waffler!
 
Saw dust is an absolute no no for guinea pigs as it can get into their airways and cause a lot of respiratory problems.
If you would like to use something similar then wood shavings or wood chips are much safer as they are less dusty.

There are lots of different types of bedding that can be used. I personally like fleece bedding the best (cage liners) but there are disposable options as well like wood shavings, or auboise (paper based bedding) etc.
 
Welcome to the Forum.
Like @GPcrazy said saw dust is not advisable with guinea pigs - it is too fine and dusty.
I have used both disposable bedding (Auboise, which is hemp based and sort of similar to wood chips) and fleece, and for me the hands down winner is fleece.It seems easier to clean, and less work on a daily basis. And the piggies LOVE it - lots of wild bouncing and running, without stuff getting flicked all over the place.

And don't worry too much about the change. We used Auboise for a couple of months before I changed to fleece, and the piggies loved it from Day 1, although they also loved their Auboise too. As long as they have space to zoom around in and a clean dry cage then they will be happy.

What sort of cage do you have?
 
Hello guys and thanks for your replies.

I have a big apology to make, it's not sawdust (der), it is 'medium bale wood shavings', but I think you have convinced me enough to opt for the fleece option. I was a little concerned that 1) it is a little bit unhygienic? And 2) if I was to wash it weekly will that wash away their scent (which I have heard makes them feel secure)?

Here is a picture of their cage, and Rose came out just in time to get in the frame!

Helen x

image.webp
 
Rosyautumn girl said:
Hello guys and thanks for your replies.

I have a big apology to make, it's not sawdust (der), it is 'medium bale wood shavings', but I think you have convinced me enough to opt for the fleece option. I was a little concerned that 1) it is a little bit unhygienic? And 2) if I was to wash it weekly will that wash away their scent (which I have heard makes them feel secure)?

Here is a picture of their cage, and Rose came out just in time to get in the frame!

Helen x

View attachment 54028
Click to expand...
I used to house my pigs on fleece, when they were inside, but my two pigs at the time (still have them but now have 4) got a bit depressed as they used to be outside and missed the outside life so I changed back to a bedding called easibed, it was wood chips but I found it keeped getting stuck in their privates and I thought it wouldn't be nice for them. So I have changed to woodshavings I didn't want to, but I use a great brand metsa wood hunter shavings, meant for horses but as I have a biggish area to fill (5ftx5ft) it works out the best for me, also they are now housed outdoors and I have happier pigs, they are in a sheltered playhouse. But I did have to bring one pig in at the weekend and I housed her on fleece, and I miss the look of fleece and the fact you can theme it more. It needs to be brushed or hovered once to twice a day more if you feel like it needs it, I used to change my fleece every 2-3 days, but I did just use fleece and puppy pads I think liners last longer. It's really what fits most for you and your pigs. You can also get smaller liners which you can put under houses or area they may pee, so they can be removed and changed daily:nod:
 
Can I ask how big the cage is?I have a twenty eight square foot run that has fleece then I have litter trays with aubiouse.My boys cage has a fleece liner in and a litter tray.The boys cage is so easy to clean, I just brush the fleece off, take it out and replace it.
 
Hi all, thanks for your replies! Sorry for delay in replying, my cage is much smaller, 50cm by 110cm. I have ordered some fleece cage liners, I just think it'll be more snugly for them and easy to clean? I've ordered 2 so that I can keep washing and replacing, or even brushing as you said. With regards to litter tray, can I do this now after a week of having them? At the moment they just poop everywhere, and I mean everywhere! I don't really mind but it takes forever to clean up which is why I thought liners will be better than shavings, but if I can train them to go in a tray, all the better! Ooh some tips would be great, are they generally clever at picking these things up? Thanks again for advice/tips.
 
Mine still poop everywhere but majority of wees are in the litter trays.I'm sorry but your cage is below minimum cage size for two sows.Can you extend it somehow?They need a lot more living space than people think.Minimum for two girls is 120 and for two boys 140 but the bigger the better.It minimises the chance of fighting.They can get quite large.
 
Oh no! Well that was the cage that pets at home recommended when we got them, I think it is ok now whilst they are babies but yes I do worry for when they get big. I was going to go and buy a playpen so would it be ok if they had the 2 of them to go between? We are abit limited for space otherwise, unless they went outside, which I didn't really want... :no:
 
You could always put the cage inside a puppy pen and leave it permanently open. It is a nice cage just a bit small. I recently bought a five by two foot hutch and that seems tiny now. Hey ho. Live and learn.
 
I've seen a number of people use those cages as the "living" area, then keep the side open and extend the space outwards using grids so they can hop in and out as and when they want.
 
When I switched to fleece I used the wood shavings which they were use to in their litter tray. I'm convinced this is the reason they have used the litter tray from day one. I'd say 80% of their business is done in the litter tray.
Once they got use to the litter tray I experimented with different litter which didn't seem to bother them. I did however make the mistake of moving the litter tray once.....never again, poo and pee everywhere! I moved it back, but it took a couple of weeks for them to get use to it again.
 
Ok, I will get a playpen tomorrow, it means it will be a GP room-takeover! And my husband will despair! But they are worth it, and I just want them to be happy and healthy, thank you all... By the way, I just found an old fleece blanket and decided to put it in their little shelter bit where they usually hide to make it more snugly, but they haven't gone in that bit since I put it down, is it just because they're not used to the texture, I am going out for the day shortly, shall I just leave it there for them to ponder over in peace and quiet?... Sorry to keep asking questions! X
 
Thanks roclibrabrian, I am defo going to try this because cleaning up their poo takes forever! Omg, another change for the poor little things! Talk about learning as you go along, I hope one day we'll all be settled and happily living together! :)
 
Rosyautumn girl said:
Hello guys and thanks for your replies.

I have a big apology to make, it's not sawdust (der), it is 'medium bale wood shavings', but I think you have convinced me enough to opt for the fleece option. I was a little concerned that 1) it is a little bit unhygienic? And 2) if I was to wash it weekly will that wash away their scent (which I have heard makes them feel secure)?

Here is a picture of their cage, and Rose came out just in time to get in the frame!

Helen x

View attachment 54028
Click to expand...
Hi Helen- can I ask do your guineas use the platform? I am also having to upgrade my cage as the SSPCA (!) gave me a cage that was too small. I'm looking at a couple but one has a platform like this which would be great- but only if they use it!
 
Sorry for slow reply bigsize9fot, they have barely come out of their hiding hole and tunnels let alone gone up on the platform! Only had them a week tomorrow so it's early days but I would imagine adventurous piggies would venture if they are more confident and settled, I will put the ladder thingy back up in a few weeks and try it out. Good luck, sorry couldn't help more, I'll let you know if they do venture up there!
 
Rosyautumn girl said:
Sorry for slow reply bigsize9fot, they have barely come out of their hiding hole and tunnels let alone gone up on the platform! Only had them a week tomorrow so it's early days but I would imagine adventurous piggies would venture if they are more confident and settled, I will put the ladder thingy back up in a few weeks and try it out. Good luck, sorry couldn't help more, I'll let you know if they do venture up there!
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Aww- bless them. Yes let me know please. We've had ours two weeks and they still run off if you try to stroke them in the cage but they come out to eat and eat from our hands and they seem happy to get lap time and run round their playpen. Maybe they're doing better than I thought!
 
Sounds like it! We are a week in and feel like we're nowhere near lap time, they are still no jumpy and just scarper all over the place. Do you just pick them up or do you use tunnels or cuddle sacks to get them on your laps? Playpen will help I think so I'm going to get one today, but I keep worrying that they are just never going to come around, but like everyone keeps saying, we must be patient!
 
Pigs are very nervy (as you've seen!) but this is totally normal, and you're not doing anything wrong. Actually quite the opposite - I enjoy reading about your progress as you and your daughter sound so conscientious and caring towards your piggies (I imagine your husband is feeling pushed out?!). Remember, we've all been there, we've all had bits where we were anything from unsure to totally clueless :nod:

Often it can be two steps forward, one step back with piggies as they can get unnerved by something (like a hooman moving/coughing/breathing/existing near them - real scary stuff :))) and make them go all shy again.

Do you have a clear routine yet - i.e. food at set times? It's amazing how piggies 'forget' their shyness when it comes to food, and creating a routine means they may be able to anticipate food time (and make the link of human = food). It's not uncommon for them to learn to recognise the sound of the food/hay bag rustling and 'wheek' in excitement!

But just to reiterate what others have said, it really is all about patience. But putting in that work is 100% worth it, as you can see from all the stories here :D
 
Oh Tiny thank you for your lovely message. Do you know what, Lottie has been away for a few days at her nans and they honestly seem much more nervy since she hasnt been around, they are crazy jumpy, like you say I only have to cough and it's like they scarper for their lives! She's coming back today so will be interesting to see if they become more settled once they hear her voice. I am just psyching myself up to clear out their cage! I'm actually nervous! How silly is that? Just been to pet shop and got a playpen, a willow arch tunnel and a cardboard tube to help me get them out, wish me luck! And yes as much as I think hubby has a secret soft spot for them, as the now ex 'guest room' becomes the gp's room he's starting to wonder what the hell he was thinking agreeing to all this! He's at golf today but by the time he comes back they'll be a big playpen in the room too, yikes! :roll:
 
Rosyautumn girl said:
Sounds like it! We are a week in and feel like we're nowhere near lap time, they are still no jumpy and just scarper all over the place. Do you just pick them up or do you use tunnels or cuddle sacks to get them on your laps? Playpen will help I think so I'm going to get one today, but I keep worrying that they are just never going to come around, but like everyone keeps saying, we must be patient!
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I just like them uk whatever way I can! They run off constantly but this is normal. Sometimes I've managed to catch them in the tunnel and this seems to stress them less.
I agree it's like 1 step forward 2 back as mine are very nervous today and have hardly played at all in their playpen.
B X
 
We used to use wood shavings but changed to finacard when one of our guineas had chest problems and now we've changed to fleece...we have a vet fleece, which is very thick, and use either towels and puppy pads underneath or a washable incontinence pad. Using fleece tunnels and snuggle pouches has been a bit hit...smaller and more cozy than the wooden bridge and lodge we had before. Our baby piggy uses the pouches as trampolines as well as for sleeping as it's all so bouncy with the fleece. I'm doing more washing and drying but less scooping makes changing easier. I've had piggies live very happily in a 100x50 cage but space to have a good run around too is needed. Our piggies know all the cues for food and squeak readily. One is a rescue and a bit nervous but she will come forward for a fruit treat or tomato...not too much though or she gets sore lips.
 
Hi Jennifer, thank you for your message, yes I'm thinking of snuggle tunnels too! Mind you I haven't received my fleece liners and snuggle sacks yet, but I put the girls out in their playpen on a fleece blanket over the weekend and they seemed very happy little piggies. I don't mind more washing really, that as opposed to trying to retrieve about 200 poo pellets from wood shavings each morning sounds good to me! They are both such nervy little things, but they do come to me to grab food, which still melts my heart every time! :luv:
 
A little late to the thread but make sure you wick any fleeces you put into the cage, otherwise their pee will sit on top! Do you have any close up pigtures yet? :)
 
Hi little ones, what does it mean to 'wick'? Sorry if I'm being clueless?! Well I have washed them as the instructions said they become more absorbent the more they're washed, is that what it means? Must say after 2 days I could feel a few slight damp patches and I'm sure there was a little whiff coming from their cage, so I took it out and washed it (replaced with another clean one). Got to say though so far so good with the fleece, so much easier to clean up poop!
My daughter put this pic up as our profile pic, but yet to get some really good close ups, I'm working on it! Pigtures, I love it!
 
Wicking basically means that you wash the fleece to get rid of the water barrier, this barrier stops the water from soaking into the fleece and keeps it on top which allows the water to run off the fleece as oppose to soaking in.
To wick you need to wash the fleece in the washing machine (i think we do ours on a 60).
Then dry the fleece. Once it's dry, test if it's been wicked by pouring some water on it, if it all completely soaks in then it's wicked however if some still sits on the top you need to wash it then repeat the same method.
Make sure that you don't use any fabric softener or conditioner because this will replace the water barrier that you are trying to break down, sometimes it won't ever wick again once you do this.
When you wash the fleece, use a non bio and non scented detergent, we use Surcare (it was recommended to me by the forum a year ago, only one I've ever used!) and add a small amount of vinegar too.
 
Definitely agree that fleece is easier too, this way sawdust doesn't get everywhere, it's crazy how much it somehow ends up all over the house! Fleece is better for the piggies too as its softer, cosier and won't cause breathing problems. Aw aren't your pigs adorable? They really are beautiful creatures :D Don't know if you posted it earlier in the thread but what are they called?
 
Hi Little Ones, so sorry for late reply! Thanks so much for your advice on the 'wicking' thing! God there's always so much to learn! Maybe one day I might actually get there... well yes fleece for me is fab, just so much easier with cleaning. My goodness though, those piggies don't half poo! But so much nicer brushing it up rather than trying to pick it out of a mountain of wood shavings! And I agree it's so much cosier for them. My daughter named them Autumn (the brown one) and Rose, I think most people thing Autumn is a strange name but it's mainly because it's her favourite season and she's kind of got the colouring, and Rose is her (and mine) favourite flowers. Quite sweet really.
So yours are also very gorgeous! What are their names? Thanks again so much little ones :luv:
 
Hi Rosyautumngirl,

Are you using fleece liners? I would love to go to fleece but I'm not having much luck with it. Even after washing I find the fleece stays quite wet - wet enough that it soaks my girls fur if they're lying on it. I'm still on wood shavings which works well but its so messy. Theyre all over the house! Ive tried carefresh but its horrible!
 
Bigsize9fot said:
Hi Rosyautumngirl,

Are you using fleece liners? I would love to go to fleece but I'm not having much luck with it. Even after washing I find the fleece stays quite wet - wet enough that it soaks my girls fur if they're lying on it. I'm still on wood shavings which works well but its so messy. Theyre all over the house! Ive tried carefresh but its horrible!
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You could use finacard Guinea Pig Bedding - Dust Extracted Guinea Pig Bedding - Finacard

I've recently changed from finacard to vet fleece, which doesn't get as wet as regular fleece, Heavy Duty HD (1500 GSM) - Greenback - Vetfleece
 
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