Cleaning Cedar Bedding for over a year

[guineagirl0206]

Hi I’ve been using cedar bedding for about a year for my piggies and I was just told it’s deadly for them? I’m going to change it but should I just keep an eye on them just in case they have any health issues from the cedar?? They eat a lot of vitamin c as well as vitamin c drops in their water so is that possibly why they haven’t been affected by the cedar???

 

[Guinea Pig Papa]

The phenols in cedar are what can affect their health, mainly manifesting as respiratory issues. Get them off of it as soon as possible. There is the possibility that health issues may arise down the road from it, but across that bridge when you come to it.

Vitamin C is good, but having vitamin C in their water is absolutely pointless. It breaks down quickly in the presence of sunlight, rendering it virtually useless. Couple that with the fact that it makes for funny tasting water that your pigs won't drink, and it does little to nothing for them. You would be far better served by feeding them a generous slice of red yellow or orange pepper everyday.

 

[bpatters]

Actually, the biggest danger from them being on cedar is the fact that it causes liver failure. It can also cause respiratory failure, bumblefoot, and other problems.

Ditto @Guinea Pig Papa on the vitamin C in the water. All you're doing, after an hour or so, is giving funny tasting water.

 

[guineagirl0206]

The phenols in cedar are what can affect their health, mainly manifesting as respiratory issues. Get them off of it as soon as possible. There is the possibility that health issues may arise down the road from it, but across that bridge when you come to it.

Vitamin C is good, but having vitamin C in their water is absolutely pointless. It breaks down quickly in the presence of sunlight, rendering it virtually useless. Couple that with the fact that it makes for funny tasting water that your pigs won't drink, and it does little to nothing for them. You would be far better served by feeding them a generous slice of red yellow or orange pepper everyday.

We do yearly check ups for them so hopefully the doc will be able to detect if the cedar has done anything. Otherwise if anything happens before then we’ll take them straight to the vet or give them a call. I just found out about this from a coworker who has/had Guinea pigs and she told me how dangerous cedar is. My last Guinea, I used cedar for him for 7 years and he was fine. Unless it’s because it was untreated? Not sure, but he was fine for the time that we had him. As soon as I found out I went out and bought aspen and switched the bedding when I got home. I also use paper bedding for under their balcony where they sleep, but I know that’s completely safe

 

[Guinea Pig Papa]

We do yearly check ups for them so hopefully the doc will be able to detect if the cedar has done anything. Otherwise if anything happens before then we’ll take them straight to the vet or give them a call. I just found out about this from a coworker who has/had Guinea pigs and she told me how dangerous cedar is. My last Guinea, I used cedar for him for 7 years and he was fine. Unless it’s because it was untreated? Not sure, but he was fine for the time that we had him. As soon as I found out I went out and bought aspen and switched the bedding when I got home. I also use paper bedding for under their balcony where they sleep, but I know that’s completely safe

Very happy to hear that you have already switched. 7 years is a normal life for a guinea pig, and longer than a lot get. I have yet to have one reach 7 years, although Sly was very close.

 

[guineagirl0206]

Very happy to hear that you have already switched. 7 years is a normal life for a guinea pig, and longer than a lot get. I have yet to have one reach 7 years, although Sly was very close.

We thought Casey was gonna live for 8. He passed away last year and now I have 3 girls who just turned a year old this week. I think it’s rare that they live past the usual 5-7 lifespan. I’ve heard of it happen before. I actually saw someone bring in a 10 year old Guinea pig on I think the show was called Dr.K, it’s a vet show that I used to watch. That’s when I found out they can live longer, but again, it’s pretty rare unfortunately. I owned a lot of hamsters before i switched to guineas for their extra cuddliness and longer lifespan, and I was so surprised that Casey lived as long as he did. I still miss the little guy but the 3 girls I have now are so sweet. Only my second time owning Guinea pigs and first time with females

 

[Anawilliam850]

Due to the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons. These chemical compounds, which are found in the wood of many coniferous trees, can cause respiratory problems and other health issues in guinea pigs and other small animals when they are inhaled. In severe cases, exposure to cedar bedding can even be lethal.