Really confused - bedding questions!

[Rattypuff]

Hello all,
Ive read some of the posts regarding bedding, but I'm getting confused!
We have 2 girls that we are fostering and its our first time looking after guinea pigs.
Currently we have a big wooden box which is handmade with a large hole which opens out into an approx 6ft x 4ft run - indoors in our spare room.

In the wooden box we have a big cardboard box which we are changing regularly, this is where the piggies sleep. We have a tray which covers the entire bottom of the box, which is lined with newspaper and then some fleece blanket, some shredded paper and mostly hay.
The run is a large tarp covered in newspaper layers and they sporadic hay.
Some fleecey type material is also present in the run..amongst the tunnels etc.

Ok, so we have found that guinea pigs need constant changing!
They pee and poo in their bed. In fact, they dont stop pooing!
We are struggling as to what are the best options.
Having had rescued mice and rats, we know that sawdust is strictly forbidden as they are prone to respiratory disorders. And we assumed, that this carried over to piggies - but are we right in thinking this?
So far we havent used any sawdust.

We are thinking where to go from here, and unfortunately our friend, who we are fostering for, hasnt given us any guidance!

So what should we do for bedding?
what are the options?
Cat litter? sawdust? hay? newspaper?

Please help!
Thanks xx

 

[lexybee91]

http://www.guinealynx.info/bedding.html Guinealynx is epic for info.

I have mine on fleece, I find it easier to deal with.

Hope this helps untill a more experienced member can post

xx

 

[lexybee91]

http://www.guinealynx.info/bedding.html Guinealynx is epic for info.

I have mine on fleece, I find it easier to deal with.

Hope this helps untill a more experienced member can post

xx

 

[Rattypuff]

Thanks lexy i have to say that i do like the idea of fleece!
You can buy it on a roll cant you? maybe thats the way forward.

Thanks -ill check out that link, x

 

[Romily]

Fleece requires a lot of attention and management although it is a great option of you have the time. I have tried all sorts of bedding and have always returned to dust extracted shavings.

 

[flips]

I use fleece and washable incontinence pads for my girls, with aubiose and hay in litter trays. My foster boys have aubiose and hay in their cages. Sawdust is often frowned upon because it can cause respiratory problems but some owners use it with no problems. All bedding has pros and cons. Might be worth having a look at the reviews here
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=53208

 

[Rattypuff]

Thanks all - we got a very temporary solution - just bought some wood based cat litter which is in their box where they sleep, with lots of hay, fleece and newspaper - so far, a bit better.

I do like the fleece idea though and we have no problem with handling poo and wee! so dont mind hand washing the fleeces every couple of days.

 

[lexybee91]

I use fleece, yes you can buy it as a roll and also in like..'mat's sorry this might not be too cohearent i'm getting sleepy lol.

I got mine from sainsburys and it's awesome all pinks and stuff ^_^ xx