Is it Safe? Are certain smells dangerous for Guinea pigs?

[gpihgos]

My cage always smells no matter how much I clean it. My mom suggested that the smell might be dangerous, since piggies have such sensitive respiratory systems. I used to open the window to filter air, but then I started to wonder if any pollen or pollutants could get into the room and cause problems. I’m just worried about them. Are either of these things dangerous for them?

 

[ItsaZoo]

Concentrated ammonia from urine can be a problem if they’re in a closed area like a hidey or tunnel. One member had a pig develop respiratory problems from sleeping in a pocket of a cage liner and breathing the ammonia.

Scented candles, room air fresheners, and incense can irritate and cause respiratory problems.

 

[bpatters]

How large is your cage? And how many pigs do you have in it? Are you sweeping out poop and dropped food every day? A cage that's too small is going to smell no matter what you do, and the larger the cage, the easier it is to keep clean and to keep the odor down.

 

[gpihgos]

I have 2 piggies, the cage is 2x4 c and c cage. I clean it every 2 days, but I clean their food area every day because it gets so dirty. Might also be the smell of hay mixing with the ammonia from their pee, because it often smells pretty strong.

 

[bpatters]

Peed-on hay does smell terrible. I'd gather it all up once a day and throw it out.

 

[Cavy]

Peed-on hay does smell terrible. I'd gather it all up once a day and throw it out.

If it does not smell sweet still, then toss it.

 

[ItsaZoo]

What kind of bedding do you use? I use fleece and fleece pads in the corners and around the hay. I have one pig in a 2x3 grid cage, and some days I replace the pads morning and evening if they’re damp.

If you’re using paper bedding, many people have a separate area with hay and bedding so they can toss that out daily and spot clean the rest.

 

[gpihgos]

What kind of bedding do you use? I use fleece and fleece pads in the corners and around the hay. I have one pig in a 2x3 grid cage, and some days I replace the pads morning and evening if they’re damp.

If you’re using paper bedding, many people have a separate area with hay and bedding so they can toss that out daily and spot clean the rest.

I use a GuineaDad liner and an extra fleece pad in their food area.