Guinea pigs, scientifically known as Cavia porcellus, are thought to have been domesticated over 7,000 years ago, according to Animal Diversity Web. The wild ancestors to these now common pets came from various parts of South America. As domesticated pets, today’s guinea pig has adjusted to living with people and needs a more controlled temperature range, preferably kept between 65 and 75 degree F. Providing fleece bedding can help keep your guineas pigs warm during colder nights.
Use pine shavings, aspen shavings or wood pellets as substrate in the bottom of the cage. This will absorb the urine from your guinea pigs -- something fleece does not do well.
Place small pieces of fleece in one corner of the cage. The fleece sizes should be slightly larger than the full body length and width of your guinea pig. Since guinea pigs vary in size, the size of fleece you need will also vary.
Check the bedding daily for rips and loose threads. Remove any bedding that has tears so that your guinea pig does not get tangled and injured by the bedding.
Remove old food, shavings and droppings from the bedding daily.
Wash the bedding weekly with regular cage cleanings. You can hand wash the fleece with warm water and dish soap. Rinse the fleece thoroughly so no soap residue is left on the bedding as this may irritate your cavy’s skin.
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Writer Bio
Lynn Anders has more than 15 years of professional experience working as a zookeeper, wildlife/environmental/conservation educator and in nonprofit pet rescue. Writing since 2007, her work has appeared on various websites, covering pet-related, environmental, financial and parenting topics. Anders has a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and biology from California State University, Sacramento.
