Sawdust/shavings?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Debbie
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Debbie

I got Peanut yesterday and the man in the pet shop told me to put sawdust/shavings down then hay? I see by most of your pics this isnt the case? Is it bad for them? I see a lot of you have a fleece bottom? wouldnt that be hard to keep clean? sorry for so many questions but any help with my new baby would be greatly appreciated O0
 
Do you have Peanut in a cage in the house or outside hutch? That might influence your decision!

Woodshavings, as long as they are not cedar and are dust-free, are not too bad. I have outdoor hutches and the piggies get a thorough clean every second day or third day. Spot poop cleaning every day!
I use newspaper on top of a lino floor, then add woodshavings and then a layer of hay on top. So far it worked well, but I find with seven piggies the disposal of all the stuff adds up and the bins are full very quickly.

Sawdust is just too fine for piggies - they get respiratory problems.

I use fleece for the inside cage because it's less messy - don't have all the shavings floating around in the room. But I find you need to change the fleece every day because of the pee areas - they can get quite soggy!

But that's just my opinion!
 
He is indoors, and although he is eating well *not that I have seen it yet* he has eaten broccoli, carrot, celery and kale, all in small amounts, though he doesnt seem to drink very much, though when i got up this morning he had eaten all his veggies. I am using woodshavings that the pet shop suggested, same as the hamster Heidi. He is so timid at the momemt its hard to tell what he likes etc, I get him out and he just lies on my chest making squeeking sounds *I hope thats a good thing*

Thanks so much for your reply
 
Your piggy is new to the surroundings - it will take a little time for Peanut to settle in. Offer some veggies with your hand and softly talk to him/her when you approach the cage.

The squeeking sounds like he likes the stroking and is enjoying it.

Piggies don't tend to drink a whole heap, most of the daily requirement comes from the fruit and veg they eat.

Remember to give plenty of hay to Peanut as well.

And when you get the change might be a good idea to get Peanut a friend as well. Guinea pigs are very social animals and should idealy be held by two's. Just make sure you know the sex of Peanut first before you embark on getting a friend. You don't want to end up with lots more piggies by surprise!

Enjoy your little friend.
 
Thanks so much mackpossum, Peanut is a boy for sure, will he be ok with another boy? as I dont want to breed them, there are way to many uwanted piggies out there as it is!
 
Hi Debbie and welcome to the forum. :)
I agree and think that if you can it would be a really good idea to get Peanut a friend. as you mentioned rescuing is definitely what we would recommend here :) . Peanut should be fine with another boy but it is a case of finding a boy with the right personality. If you go to a rescue some will let you take Peanut so that he can choose his own friend. It's apparent very quickly if they will get on or not...

Oh and we would love to see some pigtures of the little Peanut
 
Congrats on little peanut and becomming a guinea pig mummy. :) I have just changed from wood shavings to hay following advice on here. Having read a lot of information and postings it seems that woodshavings COULD cause a problem whereas hay WON'T. So I decided I'd rather not take the risk. I line with newspaper and then hay on top.
 
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