Pumice stone for guineas?

[heabrook]

Hi. I just purchased a pumice stone for my guinea pigs. But I have not given it to them yet (it's for their christmas stocking). I was trying to research about pumice stones for guinea pigs on the internet but I couldn't find anything specific. Does anyone know if it is ok for guinea pigs? It seems that once they chew on it, the pumice stone would start to break off and they would swallow it.

 

[piggielover92]

I would be very worried about that! It seems WAY too easy for them to choke! Did you get it from a petstore?

 

[heabrook]

Yes, I got it from a petstore (it said that it was for guinea pigs, but I never take their word for it)... I think you are right.. pumice stone is very jagged and sharp, I would be too afraid that they could choke. I'm going to take it back. Do you have any other recommendations for chew toys? I get them alfalfa and timothy hay cubes once in a while, plus they have a salt stone. I just thought they might like a variety.

 

[crittermom]

I believe the base for pumice is ground lava mixed with some other things and pulverized into a fine dust, then compressed into a stone. It's porous and crumbles, so I wouldn't give it to my animals for chewing.

A constant supply of good hay and fresh raw veggies daily are the primary ways their teeth are kept in good shape over time. As far as chew toys, I've had them totally ignore every wooden gadget I've ever purchased for that purpose. They gnaw at their pigloos every now and then, but not enough to be a problem. The only "chew-toys" they really do use are their Chubes (cardboard tunnels about 8" long).

 

[RubyPiggie2]

Agree with everything listed above.
You should take the salt lick out of there, they are crap, not useful. I've also heard they aren't good for pigs.

 

[DocDolittle]

Salt licks aren't bad for guinea pigs, they just don't offer anything to their health. Unlike rabbits and other rodents, guinea pigs don't need the salts provided in salt licks.

 

[Miss Piggy]

Pumice is basically lava that has solidified in the air from propulsion of a volcano. This solidified lava is also a form of "glass" and I wouldn't give it to the guinea pigs.